Introduction
Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 psychological horror film ‘The Shining’ is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made. Based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Stephen King, the movie follows the story of Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer who takes a job as the caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Rocky Mountains during its off-season. As the winter progresses and Jack’s mental state begins to deteriorate, a series of supernatural events unfold, leading to an unforgettable conclusion.
But what many fans may not know is that much of the movie was actually shot on location at several different sites across the United States. In this article, we’ll explore where ‘The Shining’ was filmed and take a look back at some of the iconic locations that featured in the movie.
A Look Back at the Filming Locations of ‘The Shining’
The majority of the filming for ‘The Shining’ took place at two main locations: Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, U.K., and the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, U.S. Let’s take a closer look at each of these sites.
The Overlook Hotel
The majority of the exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel were filmed at the Timberline Lodge in Oregon. Located at the base of Mount Hood, the lodge is a historic National Historic Landmark that dates back to 1937. The lodge served as the perfect backdrop for the movie, with its rustic charm and stunning mountain views.
For the interior shots of the hotel, Kubrick and his crew built a full-scale replica of the Overlook Hotel set at Elstree Studios. This set was so large and detailed that it took up four entire sound stages. The set was designed to replicate the look and feel of the Timberline Lodge and included several iconic rooms from the movie, such as the Gold Room and the Redrum Room.
Exploring the Remote Locations Where ‘The Shining’ Was Shot
In addition to the Timberline Lodge, Kubrick also used several other remote locations to film ‘The Shining’. These included Mount Hood Meadows ski resort in Oregon, Estes Park in Colorado, and the Oregon Trail, which served as the backdrop for the memorable opening sequence of the movie.
Timberline Lodge
As mentioned above, the Timberline Lodge served as the primary filming location for ‘The Shining’. The lodge was built in 1937 and has been a popular destination for skiers and hikers ever since. The exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel were filmed here, including the iconic aerial shots of the hotel surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Mount Hood Meadows
Kubrick also used the nearby ski resort of Mount Hood Meadows to film some of the outdoor scenes in ‘The Shining’. This included the scene where Jack Torrance is seen skiing down a mountain, as well as the scene where he is seen sledding with his son Danny.
Estes Park
The final location used for filming ‘The Shining’ was Estes Park in Colorado. This small town served as the backdrop for the memorable scene where Jack and Wendy Torrance are seen driving into the Overlook Hotel. This location was chosen because of its picturesque mountain views, which perfectly matched the aesthetic of the Timberline Lodge.
Behind the Scenes: Visiting the Sites Where ‘The Shining’ Was Filmed
For fans of ‘The Shining’, visiting the sites where the movie was filmed is a must. Here are just a few of the locations you can visit to get a behind-the-scenes look at ‘The Shining’:
The Timberline Lodge
The Timberline Lodge is still open today and welcomes guests from all over the world. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the lodge and explore the various rooms used in the movie, such as the Gold Room and the Redrum Room. You can also take a guided tour of the lodge, which includes a visit to the nearby ski resort of Mount Hood Meadows.
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, served as the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in ‘The Shining’. The hotel is open to visitors and offers guided tours of the property, as well as special events such as ghost tours and murder mystery dinners.
The Colorado State Asylum
The Colorado State Asylum is another historic site that served as an inspiration for ‘The Shining’. The asylum was built in 1888 and remained in operation until the mid-1970s. Today, the building is open to visitors, who can explore the grounds and learn more about its sordid history.
On Location: Revisiting the Set of Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining’
In addition to exploring the real-world locations where ‘The Shining’ was filmed, fans can also revisit some of the iconic sets from the movie. Here are just a few of the sets that you can explore:
The Historic Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in ‘The Shining’, and visitors can explore the hotel and its grounds. Notable rooms include the Grand Ballroom, where Jack and Wendy had their fateful argument, as well as the Redrum Room, which was featured prominently in the movie.
Redrum Room
The Redrum Room was one of the most iconic sets from ‘The Shining’, and visitors can explore the recreated version at the Stanley Hotel. The room features a replica of the carpet pattern seen in the movie, as well as a life-sized cutout of Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance.
The Maze
The maze featured in the climactic chase scene of ‘The Shining’ was an elaborate set constructed at Elstree Studios. Visitors can explore the recreated version of the maze at the Stanley Hotel, which features replicas of some of the props seen in the movie, such as the hedge animals and Jack Torrance’s infamous ax.
Touring the Iconic Filming Locations of ‘The Shining’
From the Timberline Lodge in Oregon to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, there are plenty of places to explore the filming locations of ‘The Shining’. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just looking to explore some of America’s most beautiful locations, these iconic sites are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining’ is a classic horror film that has stood the test of time. Much of the movie was filmed on location at several different sites across the United States, including the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, and the Oregon Trail. Fans of the movie can visit these sites and explore the iconic sets from the movie, such as the Redrum Room and the maze.
The filming locations of ‘The Shining’ are a testament to Kubrick’s vision and creative genius. For fans of the movie, visiting these sites is a must, as it provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of ‘The Shining’ and gain a deeper appreciation for this classic horror masterpiece.
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