PERMANENT GUESTS

Again, as Ullman gives the family a tour note that the camera is always moving. A silent observer, watching and knowing all things. Seeing all, but manipulating those around it with unseen hands.

The introduction of the Hedge maze was cut in the European version of the film. The maze therefore is reduced in importance to a bit part. It is not introduced as a character in its own right.

The introduction of the Gold Room has also been excised, as has much of the conversation. Dick Halloran is not introduced to any of the characters, and the lack of this introduction adds an altogether less civilised feel to the film. The full and clear introductions of many characters in the extended version of the film present an air of manners, of times gone by, or an age where people would show each other courtesy.

The opening conversation between Dick and Wendy is also excised / trimmed. It should be noted that nothing is seen or heard in a Kubrick film by accident. The use of Wendy�s comments that the kitchen is akin to a maze is given extra gravitas by the introduction of the maze. With this excised, a throwaway comment becomes only implicit in the films imagery.

The tour of the kitchen is seen as almost decadent. In a time where almost all people are living frugally and without any extras, the huge list of items in the kitchen and its store seem to hark back to former, more affluent times. This is also seen in the use of manners through the film - it�s as if the hotel exists in a different age, a different time. Marooned out in the snow, the day, month or year cease to be meaningful.

In this scene, where Jack and Wendy move away from Danny and Dick, you see the only sign of affection between the couple. Again, Wendy seems oddly prescient of events : the use of the phrase �just like a ghost ship� seems to predict future events. Namely that of the Marie Celeste, an abandoned ship of old folklore.