Signifed during the No.26 sequence of Jack looking over the hedge maze while Wendy and Danny are within the actual hedge maze— Jack has significant control over his family— just not his own mind.
From his moods determining how he treats his family, to determine where Wendy and Danny can go within the hotel, how he curses and yells to show dominance, to gaslighting his wife over her concern- the control is abusive.
It’s also indicative of how men can treat their wives, and how male privilege in society is a slow tide to turn. By 1993, every U.S. state criminalized at least some forms of marital rape, though exceptions and unequal treatment persisted. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 prohibited credit discrimination based on sex or marital status; it did not mark the first time any woman could hold an account or credit card.
Speaking for His Family
Jack introduces his wife as “Winifred” and greets his son as “Dan”, using names they do not use for themselves. In the next scene, Wendy tells Halloran, “I’m a Wendy!”. Her correction exposes the distance between Jack’s presentation of his family and who they understand themselves to be. He speaks for them without really connecting with them. The naming becomes a subtle expression of both control and disconnection.
In this image · No.5
Jack and His Family
Jack makes decisions for his family without considering his family.
American Culture
Jack makes decisions for his family without considering his family. The man’s interest IS THE interest in a patriarchal society.