“Poltergeist,” the 1982 horror film directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, is legendary not just for its chilling story but also for the eerie behind-the-scenes tales that accompany it. One of the most persistent and spine-tingling stories involves the use of real skeletons during the production. This article explores every aspect of this claim, diving into the details of the movie, the reasons behind using real skeletons, and the impact it had on the cast, crew, and the horror genre itself.
Introduction to “Poltergeist”
Released in 1982, “Poltergeist” quickly became one of the most iconic horror films of its time. Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, the film is known for its terrifying scenes and groundbreaking special effects. The story revolves around the Freeling family, whose home is invaded by malevolent spirits, ultimately leading to the abduction of their youngest daughter, Carol Anne.
Key Facts:
- Director: Tobe Hooper
- Producer: Steven Spielberg
- Release Date: June 4, 1982
- Starring: Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Heather O’Rourke
The Plot of “Poltergeist”
The movie starts with the Freelings living an idyllic suburban life until strange occurrences start happening in their home. Furniture moves on its own, and ghostly apparitions appear, culminating in the terrifying moment when Carol Anne is pulled into a portal in her closet. The family seeks help from parapsychologists and a spiritual medium to rescue their daughter from the clutches of the spirits.
Major Plot Points:
- Strange Occurrences: Objects move on their own, and unexplained phenomena occur.
- Carol Anne’s Abduction: The young daughter is taken by the spirits.
- The Rescue: The family, with the help of experts, fights to bring Carol Anne back.
Behind the Scenes: The Use of Real Skeletons
One of the most infamous stories from the set of “Poltergeist” is the claim that real skeletons were used in the movie. This particularly pertains to the scene where JoBeth Williams’ character, Diane, falls into a swimming pool filled with skeletons.
The Scene:
- Diane in the Pool: During a storm, Diane falls into the pool, which is under construction and filled with muddy water and skeletons.
- Real Skeletons: It has been claimed that the skeletons used in this scene were real, as they were cheaper than plastic ones at the time.
Reasons for Using Real Skeletons
While it may seem shocking today, using real skeletons in movies was not entirely uncommon in the past. The primary reason cited for this practice was cost. Real human skeletons, often sourced from medical supply companies, were less expensive than producing realistic-looking plastic or rubber ones.
Key Reasons:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Real skeletons were cheaper than creating high-quality fake ones.
- Realism: Real bones provided an authenticity that was hard to replicate with plastic.
The Impact on Cast and Crew
The revelation that real skeletons were used had a profound impact on the cast and crew, especially JoBeth Williams. In interviews, she recounted her discomfort and fear during the filming of the pool scene, only later discovering that the skeletons were real.
Effects on Cast:
- Emotional Distress: The knowledge of working with real skeletons added to the psychological stress.
- Haunted Set: Many believe that using real skeletons contributed to the so-called “Poltergeist Curse,” a series of tragic events that befell those involved with the film.
The Legacy of “Poltergeist”
The use of real skeletons has become a significant part of the lore surrounding “Poltergeist.” It contributes to the film’s lasting legacy as one of the most haunted movie sets in Hollywood history. This story, among others, has helped maintain the film’s status as a cultural touchstone in the horror genre.
Key Legacy Points:
- Cult Status: “Poltergeist” remains a beloved classic among horror fans.
- Haunted Reputation: The film is often cited in discussions about haunted movie sets.
Skepticism and Verification
While the story of real skeletons has been widely reported, it has also faced skepticism. Some argue that the tale has been exaggerated over the years. However, multiple sources, including interviews with cast members, support the claim.
Points of Verification:
- Cast Interviews: JoBeth Williams and other cast members have spoken about the use of real skeletons.
- Production Insights: Information from those involved in the special effects and props departments confirms the practice.
Ethical Implications
The use of real skeletons in film raises several ethical questions. Today, such a practice would likely face significant backlash. The treatment of human remains, respect for the deceased, and the psychological impact on actors are all considerations that modern filmmakers must take into account.
Ethical Considerations:
- Respect for the Deceased: Using human remains for entertainment can be seen as disrespectful.
- Psychological Impact: The knowledge that real skeletons are used can cause distress for actors and crew.
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Conclusion
The claim that real skeletons were used in “Poltergeist” adds an extra layer of horror to an already chilling film. Whether seen as a cost-saving measure or a quest for realism, this decision has become a legendary part of the movie’s history. The story continues to fascinate and terrify fans, contributing to the enduring legacy of “Poltergeist.”
By exploring this tale, we not only gain insight into the film’s production but also reflect on the broader implications of such practices in the entertainment industry. The legacy of “Poltergeist” serves as a reminder of the fine line between art and ethics, and the lasting impact that behind-the-scenes decisions can have on both the people involved and the audience.
FAQs
Did the 1982 movie “Poltergeist” really use real skeletons in its scenes?
Yes, it has been widely reported and confirmed by several sources, including cast interviews, that real skeletons were used in the movie “Poltergeist.” Specifically, these skeletons were used in the scene where JoBeth Williams’ character, Diane, falls into a swimming pool filled with skeletons.
Why did the filmmakers use real skeletons instead of fake ones?
The primary reason for using real skeletons was cost-effectiveness. At the time, real human skeletons, often sourced from medical supply companies, were cheaper than creating realistic-looking plastic or rubber skeletons. Additionally, real skeletons provided a level of authenticity that was difficult to replicate with fakes.
How did the cast and crew react to the use of real skeletons?
The revelation that real skeletons were used had a significant impact on the cast and crew, particularly JoBeth Williams, who filmed the pool scene. She later expressed her discomfort and fear during the scene, especially after discovering the skeletons were real. This incident contributed to the film’s eerie reputation and the so-called “Poltergeist Curse.”
What is the “Poltergeist Curse”?
The “Poltergeist Curse” refers to a series of tragic events that befell several cast members of the “Poltergeist” trilogy. These incidents include the untimely deaths of Heather O’Rourke (who played Carol Anne) and Dominique Dunne (who played Dana Freeling). The use of real skeletons in the film is often cited as a contributing factor to the curse’s lore.
Are real skeletons still used in movies today?
Using real skeletons in movies today would likely face significant ethical and legal challenges. Modern filmmaking typically relies on advanced special effects, CGI, and high-quality props to create realistic scenes. The practice of using real human remains is generally considered unethical and disrespectful in contemporary filmmaking.
