Photo by Kimberley French

Contributed photo

Remarks:
The Twist Cemetery shot was intended to augment the climactic Twist Ranch scene.

Why did it never make its way into the film? Some would argue that “less is more.” John Twist’s plainspoken words tell us that there is a family plot and that Jack is going in it; showing us the actual cemetery adds nothing. Another argument for deleting the shot of the plot is that by doing so Lee placed the emphasis of the scene where it should be, the revelation of the shirts, not the disposition of Jack’s ashes.

Lee’s actual reason for omitting the image of the Twist family plot may be even more straightforward. In a film of inspired set design and meticulous set dressing, the cemetery prop is an exception. Indeed, it looks almost as fake as Lureen’s hair and Jack’s moustache. So much work went into the restoration and preparation of the Twist Ranch house that it is easy to understand why the cemetery didn’t receive priority treatment. Lee may well have decided that no cemetery at all was better than a phony cemetery.

Important:
Always obtain appropriate permission before entering private property.