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The Shining (The Versions) 142 min American cut - 119 min European version
I can easily see why Kubrick would prefer the shorter European cut of 'The Shining'. That said it is great to see a longer version.
The extra material included in the American cut are mainly bridging scenes and expository scenes. There are also a few extra moments within scenes that are cut from the European version.
The first is a scene with Wendy talking to a female Doctor about the fact that Jack has indeed hurt Danny by dislocating his arm in a drunken rage. This episode is explained later by Jack to the 'imaginary' barman in the ballroom, so the scene is redundant.
An other is an extension of a scene where Jack explains to Wendy that he had a strong sense of dÃÆéjÃÆàvu when he first arrived at the hotel. This moment also crosses the camera line, as the first part is shown in the reflection of a mirror. By cutting the end of the scene the transition to the next one is crisper and tighter.
The cook's part played by Scatman Crothers, is larger in the American cut and shows more of the stages of his progress in reaching the hotel. One scene with him talking to a garage owner from the Airport on the telephone feels very unnecessary and I can see why it was cut.
One expository scene has Wendy talking to herself to inform us of her means of escape. It is much better that this scene is cut as it is a theatrical expository device and completely out of keeping with the feel of the movie. Wendy then goes to Danny's room and we are shown that he has regressed into the character of his imaginary friend as he tries to deal with the horrors of the hotel. I think again this scene is not necessary as it labors a point.
Then there is another bridging scene with Wendy and Danny watching a cartoon together, which is only there to explain that she wants to go and talk with Jack. Again removing this moment is a wise one as it keeps things tight and the transition crisp.
A couple of extra lines by Jack and the 'imaginary' barman are in the longer cut. "Women, can't live with them...." The removal of these lines helps with the focus and directness of the scene.
There is an extra scene with Danny saying "Redrum". This takes place before the classic scene with Danny again saying "Redrum"....so I am sure it was removed to make the impact of the later scene greater.
In the European version, when Wendy finally see visions within the hotel, they are brief and shocking. The American version has more shots of Wendy witnessing these horrors. Suddenly, the reception area is dressed in cobwebs and skeletons are siting on sofas. This tacky moment made me laugh and I am sure it was the first thing Kubrick removed from the European cut so as not to get the same reaction.
The European version is more polished than the American. The shorter cut is also more subtle and challenging. I agree with all of the cuts that Kubrick made for the European version and I can understand why he felt it was much better because it is. I personally feel the American version is not the finished movie and the European most certainly is.
I can easily see why Kubrick would prefer the shorter European cut of 'The Shining'. That said it is great to see a longer version.
The extra material included in the American cut are mainly bridging scenes and expository scenes. There are also a few extra moments within scenes that are cut from the European version.
The first is a scene with Wendy talking to a female Doctor about the fact that Jack has indeed hurt Danny by dislocating his arm in a drunken rage. This episode is explained later by Jack to the 'imaginary' barman in the ballroom, so the scene is redundant.
An other is an extension of a scene where Jack explains to Wendy that he had a strong sense of dÃÆéjÃÆàvu when he first arrived at the hotel. This moment also crosses the camera line, as the first part is shown in the reflection of a mirror. By cutting the end of the scene the transition to the next one is crisper and tighter.
The cook's part played by Scatman Crothers, is larger in the American cut and shows more of the stages of his progress in reaching the hotel. One scene with him talking to a garage owner from the Airport on the telephone feels very unnecessary and I can see why it was cut.
One expository scene has Wendy talking to herself to inform us of her means of escape. It is much better that this scene is cut as it is a theatrical expository device and completely out of keeping with the feel of the movie. Wendy then goes to Danny's room and we are shown that he has regressed into the character of his imaginary friend as he tries to deal with the horrors of the hotel. I think again this scene is not necessary as it labors a point.
Then there is another bridging scene with Wendy and Danny watching a cartoon together, which is only there to explain that she wants to go and talk with Jack. Again removing this moment is a wise one as it keeps things tight and the transition crisp.
A couple of extra lines by Jack and the 'imaginary' barman are in the longer cut. "Women, can't live with them...." The removal of these lines helps with the focus and directness of the scene.
There is an extra scene with Danny saying "Redrum". This takes place before the classic scene with Danny again saying "Redrum"....so I am sure it was removed to make the impact of the later scene greater.
In the European version, when Wendy finally see visions within the hotel, they are brief and shocking. The American version has more shots of Wendy witnessing these horrors. Suddenly, the reception area is dressed in cobwebs and skeletons are siting on sofas. This tacky moment made me laugh and I am sure it was the first thing Kubrick removed from the European cut so as not to get the same reaction.
The European version is more polished than the American. The shorter cut is also more subtle and challenging. I agree with all of the cuts that Kubrick made for the European version and I can understand why he felt it was much better because it is. I personally feel the American version is not the finished movie and the European most certainly is.