Review of Room 237 (2012) by Robert R — 27 Mar 2013

While there were some interesting observations about Kubrick's use of breaking continuity rules by changing background furniture, or consistent repetition of certain numbers, I found the analysis to be grasping at straws so thin, they'd break in two, if it weren't for the fine distractions of Kubrick's footage.

There were keen observations of his set design and use of camera work to show the architecture of the hotel. But that is hardly evidence of hidden messages. When these alleged scholars started to dig for "symbolism" in regards to the holocaust and Indian genocide, I began wondering what peace pipe these folks were smoking.

Yes, clearly Kubrick had an extraordinary eye for detail and I've no doubt he was leaving little symbolic hints here and there. But when the film actually started discussing that playing "The Shining" backwards was a key to deciphering its true meaning, I couldn't help be reminded of those times back in the day when junior high school kids were playing Beatles albums backwards swearing that they could hear someone saying "Paul is dead.

" This doc was more Emperor's New Clothes and pretentious hogwash than profound film analysis. I was frankly stunned at the films inanity.