Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Shining is 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 for The Shining.
The Shining and the Fire at Elstree Studios
Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror film The Shining is 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 site The Overlook Hotel, run by Toy Story 3 and Coco director 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 Shining remains 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 in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Some Facts About Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining You Might Not Know
Stanley Kubrick is known for his immense perfectionism. His movie The Shining stands 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 surrounding The 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.
Watch The Shining on Prime Video.
