No.21
No.21 is an external establishing shot of the hotel, taken around early morning. While it is easy to ignore, hearing a loon in this shot is significant. The trees looming in front of the hotel are significant across both American History and The Maze.
Thanks to Ullman establishing that Closing Day takes place on the 30th of October, A Month Later would be the end of November, traditionally Thanksgiving time.
American History/Culture
There’s an a loon call added to the opening exterior shot of the hotel. Euphemistically, to call someone a Loon is to call them crazy.
Bugs Bunny, Roadrunner & Coyote are all part of “Loony Tunes”.
No.4, No.98
“Make Every Indian A Tree”
Relating to both the trees and the Native American blankets that line the walls, this line is a quote from General Amherst to his (someone) giving the order to give the infested blankets to the Native Americans. In the letter, there is the promise to “make every Indian a tree”.
Domestic abuse
In the same way Kubrick inserted a dog barking as we met Danny and Wendy in the Boulder apartment, introducing and cementing domesticity, hearing a loon introduces the concept of craziness with the connection of nature/wilderness.
Bugs Bunny, Roadrunner & Coyote are all part of Loony Tunes, hearing a loon speaks to cartoonish violence. No.64
The Maze
Artwork:
Morrisseau’s “Flock of Loons":
There is a painting of loons as Watson enters Ullman’s office in No.5, and most notably within The Exit Hallway, No.66 and No.81
Time:
Based on the light, the time shown is early morning. Metaphorically: Dawn.
Based on the established timeframe, the time of A Month Later would be Thanksgiving time or the end of November.
Trees
This is a constructed environment and the tree placement is intentional. They’re set up mimicking an image of Native Americans circling the school that holds their kidnapped children.
Ghost Story
The shot is still and quiet, speaking to the isolated surroundings being nature and not ‘civilization’.
Cabin Fever
The shot is still and quiet, speaking to the isolated surroundings being nature and not ‘civilization’.
Establishing shot of the hotel
A loon’s call is heard.