The Oscars ‘Shining’ Overlook Hotel Ad: Here’s What Happens When You Call 833-888-0237

Ad is for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

the shining horror movie

No one can accuse the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures of being all work with no fun: The first commercial for the museum, which premiered during the Oscars, was a fake ad for the Overlook Museum, site of Jack Nicholson’s horrific meltdown in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.”

After a series of scenes that included a custodian cleaning up the word “Redrum,” the ad invited Oscars viewers to call 833-888-0237.

Those who called the number spent six-minutes on hold for the hotel, while a recording played a loop of “Shining” in-jokes. The recording ends by inviting patient listeners to visit AcademyMuseum.org. The museum will open next year.

“Welcome to the historic Overlook Hotel’s reservation line,” the recording begins. “Someone will be with you shortly.”

Spoiler alert: No one picks up. You’re trapped in time, just like Jack Torrance (played by Nicholson) and his unfortunate family.

The recording continues by inviting you to book the “world-famous Gold Ballroom” for your next event — helpfully adding that it can hold 300.

“Feeling overworked? Come play with us in the world famous Colorado Room. You’ll never want to leave.”
In the 1980 film, aspiring writer Jack Torrance — who has supposedly been working on a novel — turns out to have gone made and to be repeatedly typing “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
“Our season begins May 15. Make your reservation now!” the recording continues, before mentioning that room service is available 24 hours a day. It lists all the foods the Torrance family see on their tour of the hotel’s kitchen and freezer, including lamb, French fries and ketchup, hot and cold cereals,oatmeal, black molasses, bags of sugar, and dried fruits.
“Built in 1907 the Historic Overlook is probably the most gorgeous hotel you’ve ever see. Come stay with us forever and ever and ever,” the recording continues.
And then the message gets really weird: “Our world class concierge is a little man who lives in your mouth — and he can’t wait to meet you.”
Architect Renzo Piano with Renzo Piano Building Workshop have designed two buildings that will form the Academy Museum’s 300,000- square-foot campus: the Saban Building and a spherical addition with a theater and a terrace topped with a glass dome. They will include 50,000 square feet of gallery space, two theaters, project spaces, an outdoor piazza, a rooftop terrace with views of the Hollywood Hills, an education studio, a restaurant and store.

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