THE PALE WHITE DEMON

Take close note of the patterns and motifs that are used in the decor of the film. For example, the designs of the carpets, the paintings and decorations on the floor, and the curtains all touch upon ancient designs used by Navajo and Apache Indians, and in the extended American cut of the film, this connection is made explicitly clear through some additional dialogue. Taking its cue from the ancient Indian burial ground the Overlook, is supposedly built on, the hotel is adopting visually as well as in character, the dominant characteristics of the lands occupants.

Again note the use of rugs, tiling, carpets and patterns that are reminscent of the traditional Red Indian - Navajo/Apache designs. The scene with the tour of the main room is trimmed brutally in the European cut. At this point, the Navajo/Indian similarities are only suggested, and not made clear.

If you look at Wendy here, and the manner of her dress, you will see that her appearance resembles a traditional Red Indian woman, with hair in two bunches, being dark and long, wearing brightly patterned clothing, and a brown leather overcoat. The confrontation between the two becomes the symbol of new America (in red tweed, a plaid shirt and denim) versus old America (a red Indian Woman). Since the site was also reportedly built on a red Indian burial ground, in some respects the Overlook can be seen as trying to repel the new infidels, and re-enacting the battle between Red Indian and Alpha White Male : in the words of Rambo, �Do we get to win this time?�

This is clear by a careful examination of the Kitchen locker sequence - the cans and tinned items around Nicholson are red tins of Calumet baking Powder which bear the image of a red Indian. Like the ghosts which the family battle, and which they never see, The Indians are everywhere and yet nowhere.