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Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film adaptation of Stephen King’s novelThe Shiningis one of the most iconic and influential horror films ever made. It is a chilling and atmospheric tale of a family who becomes isolated in a haunted hotel, only to be driven to madness by the evil spirits.
However, one lesser-known chapter in the creation of this film is the fire that struck Elstree Studios, resulting in the destruction of one of the pivotal sets forThe Shining.
Also Read:“I don’t do a lot of takes when it’s good”: Stanley Kubrick Blamed “Undisciplined” Actors For Fabricating Lies About His Extreme Work Process
The Shiningand the Fire at Elstree Studios
Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror filmThe Shiningis considered one of the greatest horror movies ever made, or more precisely, one of the greatest movies. The film itself stands as a testament to Kubrick’s unique directorial style, and meticulous attention to detail.
The sets were created at Elstree Studios in England, where the filmmaker meticulously crafted the eerie and labyrinthine hallways, the iconic Room 237, and the haunting Gold Room and the most bizarre things that happened then.
A massive fire broke down and burned down multiple sets near the end of production. Due to the intense heat generated by the lighting used to recreate window sunlight, the lounge set caught fire and burnt down.
Still photographer Murray Close narrated the incident on a fan siteThe Overlook Hotel, run byToy Story 3andCocodirector Lee Unkrich:
“We had a very big fire … in one of the sound stages. It was the stage that had the set of the Overlook Hotel with the lounge set where Jack typed and he chased Shelley Duvall around with a baseball bat. It was a huge fire in there one day. Massive fire.”
“We never really discovered what caused that fire, and it burnt down two sound stages and threatened a third at Elstree Studios.”
The Shiningremains a touchstone in the horror genre, not only for its chilling narrative but also for the behind-the-scenes trials and triumphs.
The studios later rebuilt with a higher ceiling and Steven Spielberg used it for the snake-filled tomb inRaiders of the Lost Ark.
Also Read:“The great Stanley Kubrick was an actor’s enemy”: Godfather Actor Robert Duvall Slammed Stanley Kubrick Films as the “Worst Performances” Ever
Some Facts About Stanley Kubrick’sThe ShiningYou Might Not Know
Stanley Kubrickis known for his immense perfectionism. His movieThe Shiningstands as an enigmatic cornerstone in the world of cinema, revered for its haunting narrative, masterful direction, and the layers of depth that continue to captivate audiences. Beyond its chilling storyline and iconic moments, the film harbors several lesser-known facts that contribute to its mystique.
Room 237 in the film is a cryptic element deliberately left open to interpretation by Kubrick. While Stephen King’s novel mentioned Room 217, Kubrick opted for Room 237, adding to the ambiguity and inviting varied theories and analyses about its significance.
The meticulously detailed set of the Overlook Hotel, where most of the film was shot, was a feat in itself. It was constructed at Elstree Studios in England and took over a year to build, featuring a full interior replica of the hotel—the attention to detail in the set design added to the film’s authenticity and haunting atmosphere.
Shelley Duvall claimed that it took three days to film the well-known scene in which Jack Nicholson uses an axe to smash through the bathroom door, using sixty different doors. Indeed, the production team would have to clean up the mess and replace a new door each time Jack ripped open the door and said, “Heere’s Johnny.” Both Kubrick’s strict nature and the sacrifice of many dozens of trees paid off. It’s one of the most iconic scenes in movie history.
These lesser-known facts contribute to the layers of intrigue surroundingThe Shining. Stanley Kubrick’s attention to detail, coupled with his ability to create an unnerving and enigmatic atmosphere, has made the film a subject of fascination and discussion for decades.
WatchThe Shiningon Prime Video.
Also Read:Stanley Kubrick Made Jack Nicholson Constantly Break the Fourth Wall in The Shining For an Unsettling Reason As His Character Increasingly Unravels in the Film
Prantik Prabal Roy
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Prantik Prabal Roy is a content writer at FandomWire. With over three years of experience in content writing for various media houses, he takes great interest in telling stories about Hollywood celebrities and the world revolving around them. He has done his Master’s in English literature and diploma course in journalism. Being a literature student, he has the ability to delve into the matter and analyse it thoroughly to give the readers a clear view on the specific topics.
