Exclusive: Interview clip of Rodney Ascher, discussing his documentary Room 237 about the themes of Kubrick’s The Shining

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

The documentary ROOM 237 attempts to explore the impact, themes, and theories about Stanley Kubrick‘s classic film THE SHINING, which stands as one of the legendary filmmaker’s most successful films. The doc, from director Rodney Ascher, looks deep into the various theories about the film, which range from it being about the Holocaust, the plight of Native Americans, the Apollo 11 moon landing, and more. For some fans of the film, THE SHINING is much more than an eerie adaptation of Stephen King‘s famed novel; it’s a metaphor for a great deal of real-world events that compelled Kubrick throughout his life.

Today, we have an interview clip from Ascher, who gives a rundown on how ROOM 237 came about and what inspired him to make the doc, which looks into the potential meanings of THE SHINING and how they all may or may not tie together.  I honestly hadn’t heard any of these theories until researching this story and I’m absolutely intrigued at this point to not only see ROOM 237, but to watch THE SHINING directly after.  For those who love the dissection and discussion of film, this seems like a must see.

Here’s the interview clip:

Here’s the synopsis:

A subjective documentary that explores the numerous theories about the hidden meanings within Stanley Kubrick‘s film The Shining. The film may be over 30 years old but it continues to inspire debate, speculation, and mystery. Five very different points of view are illuminated through voice over, film clips, animation and dramatic reenactments. Together they’ll draw the audience into a new maze, one with endless detours and dead ends, many ways in, but no way out.

ROOM 237 premieres in theaters, VOD, Sundance Now, and digital download today, March 29, 2013.