Where was The Shining Filmed and Shot?

The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a classic film adapted from Stephen King's novel. The film's eerie atmosphere and haunting scenery greatly contributed to its success. Here, we explore the various filming locations of The Shining and how they enhanced the movie's narrative.

The Timberline Lodge

Location: Mount Hood in Oregon
Description: The Timberline Lodge served as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel. Its distinctive architecture and scenic surroundings created the film's eerie and isolated ambiance. This iconic lodge, with its grand entrance and stunning mountain views, perfectly mirrored the fictional hotel's grandeur and foreboding presence.

Elstree Studios

Location: Hertfordshire, England
Description: Majority of the interior scenes of The Shining were filmed at Elstree Studios. The iconic hedge maze and hotel interiors were meticulously constructed on site. The studio provided a controlled environment where the filmmakers could replicate the atmospheric and precise settings required for the movie.

Other Locations

Location: Various locations in Oregon, Colorado, and Los Angeles
Description: Additional scenes were shot in scenic forests and landscapes around Oregon. A few exterior shots were filmed in Colorado, at the Stanley Hotel, which served as the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel. Further to this, some scenes set during the winter were shot in Los Angeles for practical reasons.

Stanley Hotel: Inspiration and Filming Location

Inspiration: The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, served as the inspiration for Stephen King's Overlook Hotel. Its grandeur and isolated setting contributed significantly to the novel and the subsequent film.

Filming: Although most of the film was shot in England, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park Colorado was used during the filming of the movie. The hotel's architecture and ambiance were crucial in creating the film's chilling atmosphere. The interiors of the Overlook Hotel were constructed on a soundstage in Elstree Studios, but its exterior was often represented by the Timberline Lodge in Oregon.

Additional Film Locations

Mount Washington Hotel: Some scenes were also shot at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. This historic hotel added to the film's overall authenticity and grandeur.

Stansted Airport: The airport scene was filmed at Stansted Airport in Essex, England, to represent Stapleton Airport in Denver.

The Opening Helicopter Shots

The opening helicopter scenes were filmed in Montana, providing a vast and desolate backdrop to the story.

Conclusion

The Shining was a meticulously crafted film, with its locations playing a crucial role in setting the stage for horror and suspense. From the grand halls of Elstree Studios to the isolated Timberline Lodge, each location contributed to the film's haunting and chilling atmosphere. By understanding the true filming locations, one can appreciate the effort and creativity that went into making this classic horror movie.