The 1982 movie Poltergeist is not just a classic horror film; it’s a pop culture phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the genre. However, behind the scenes of this iconic movie lies a dark and eerie secret that has fueled countless rumors and urban legends over the years. The film, directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, used real human skeletons during the filming of certain scenes. This revelation has haunted the legacy of Poltergeist as much as the film’s supernatural themes have haunted its audiences.
The Birth of a Horror Classic
When Poltergeist was released in 1982, it was an instant success. Audiences were captivated by its thrilling storyline, groundbreaking special effects, and the palpable sense of dread that permeated the entire film. The story revolves around the Freeling family, whose peaceful suburban life is shattered when malevolent spirits invade their home, leading to the abduction of their youngest daughter, Carol Anne, into another dimension. The film’s mix of family drama, supernatural terror, and a touch of dark humor set it apart from other horror movies of its time.
Directed by Tobe Hooper, who was already known for his work on The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and produced by Steven Spielberg, a powerhouse in the industry, Poltergeist had all the ingredients to become a horror classic. Its success was undeniable, but the movie’s behind-the-scenes stories quickly became as famous as the film itself.
The Infamous Swimming Pool Scene
One of the most iconic and terrifying scenes in Poltergeist is the swimming pool sequence, where JoBeth Williams’ character, Diane Freeling, falls into a muddy, rain-filled pool only to be surrounded by skeletons emerging from the water. As the scene progresses, the skeletons appear to be reaching out to her, pulling her deeper into the pit of despair. The sheer horror of the moment is palpable, and it is one of the scenes that has stuck with viewers for decades.
What most people didn’t know at the time, however, is that the skeletons used in this scene were not props or plastic replicas. They were real human skeletons. The revelation that real bones were used instead of fakes shocked the world when it became public knowledge years later. This unsettling truth added a new layer of horror to the movie, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
Why Were Real Skeletons Used?
The decision to use real skeletons in Poltergeist wasn’t born out of a desire to shock or horrify, but rather from a more practical concern: cost. At the time, using real human skeletons was reportedly cheaper than manufacturing realistic-looking plastic ones. This cost-saving measure was not uncommon in Hollywood during that era, as real skeletons were readily available for purchase from medical supply companies. They were often used in movies for their authenticity, particularly in horror films where the details mattered.
The production team, focused on delivering the most authentic and visually striking scenes possible, opted to use real skeletons, believing that the realism they would bring to the film was worth it. The use of actual bones, however, has since become one of the most controversial aspects of the movie’s legacy.
The Curse of Poltergeist
The use of real skeletons has fueled speculation that the production of Poltergeist was cursed. Several tragic events surrounding the cast and crew have been linked to this so-called curse, further cementing the film’s place in horror lore.
Dominique Dunne, who played the eldest daughter, Dana Freeling, was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend shortly after the film’s release. Heather O’Rourke, who portrayed the young Carol Anne, died at the age of 12 due to complications from a misdiagnosed medical condition. These untimely deaths, along with other incidents involving the cast and crew, have been attributed by some to the use of real skeletons in the film. Whether or not the curse is real, these events have contributed to the movie’s eerie reputation.
Ethical Concerns and Hollywood Practices
The revelation that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist sparked a significant debate about the ethics of using human remains in film production. While it may have been a common practice at the time, the idea of using real human bones for entertainment purposes is unsettling to many. The ethics of such a decision are particularly questionable when considering that the individuals to whom these skeletons once belonged likely never consented to having their remains used in a horror movie.
Hollywood has a long history of pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in the pursuit of authenticity and realism. However, the line between art and exploitation is often thin. The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist is a prime example of this ethical gray area. It raises questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers in treating human remains with the respect and dignity they deserve, regardless of whether they are being used for medical, educational, or entertainment purposes.
Impact on the Cast and Crew
For the actors involved in the infamous swimming pool scene, the knowledge that they were working with real human skeletons came as a shock. JoBeth Williams, who portrayed Diane Freeling, has spoken publicly about her discomfort upon learning that the skeletons in the scene were real. She recalled that she was only informed of this fact after filming had already been completed, a revelation that understandably added to the unease she felt during what was already a physically and emotionally demanding scene.
The psychological impact of working with real human remains can be profound, especially in a horror film context where the intent is to evoke fear and unease. The actors and crew members involved in Poltergeist were likely unprepared for the emotional toll that such knowledge could take, adding a layer of real-life horror to the fictional events they were portraying.
The Legacy of Poltergeist
Despite—or perhaps because of—the controversy surrounding its production, Poltergeist remains a seminal work in the horror genre. The film’s legacy is a complex one, marked by both its cinematic achievements and the troubling ethical questions it raises. The movie’s influence can be seen in countless horror films that followed, many of which have attempted to replicate its blend of supernatural terror and family drama.
However, the dark truth behind the film’s production continues to cast a shadow over its legacy. The knowledge that real human skeletons were used during the filming has forever intertwined the film with the concept of the macabre in a way that few other movies have experienced. For many fans of the horror genre, this revelation only adds to the film’s mystique, making it a subject of fascination and discussion more than four decades after its release.
How the Film Industry Has Changed
The ethical landscape of the film industry has evolved significantly since the production of Poltergeist. Today, the use of real human remains in film would likely be met with widespread condemnation and legal repercussions. Advances in technology have also made it easier to create realistic props and special effects without resorting to such controversial methods.
Modern filmmakers are more conscious of the potential impact of their decisions, not just on the cast and crew, but on the audiences who consume their work. The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist is now often cited as an example of how the industry has moved away from practices that might be seen as disrespectful or exploitative. In today’s Hollywood, the emphasis is on finding ethical and sustainable ways to achieve the desired visual and emotional impact.
The Role of Technology in Modern Horror Films
One of the key developments in the film industry since Poltergeist is the advancement of technology, which has dramatically changed how horror films are made. With the advent of CGI (computer-generated imagery) and other digital effects, filmmakers no longer need to rely on practical effects to achieve realistic or supernatural visuals. This shift has not only allowed for greater creative freedom but has also addressed many of the ethical concerns that were raised by films like Poltergeist.
Today, filmmakers can create lifelike skeletons and other gruesome effects using digital tools, ensuring that no real human remains are used. This technological progress has also opened up new possibilities for horror films, allowing them to explore more imaginative and otherworldly scenarios that would have been impossible to achieve with practical effects alone.
Audience Perception and the Lasting Impact
The knowledge that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist has had a profound effect on how audiences perceive the film. For some, this revelation adds an extra layer of horror to the movie, enhancing its status as one of the scariest films of all time. For others, it raises uncomfortable questions about the lengths to which filmmakers should go to achieve authenticity.
The use of real human remains in the film also serves as a reminder of the darker side of Hollywood, where the pursuit of realism can sometimes overshadow ethical considerations. This aspect of Poltergeist’s production has become a significant part of its legacy, ensuring that the film is remembered not just for its scares, but for the controversial decisions made behind the scenes.
Cultural and Societal Reflections
The controversy surrounding the use of real skeletons in Poltergeist also reflects broader cultural and societal attitudes toward death and the treatment of human remains. In many cultures, the dead are treated with a high degree of reverence and respect, and the idea of using their remains for entertainment purposes would be considered deeply disrespectful. The decision to use real skeletons in Poltergeist can be seen as a reflection of a society that is often desensitized to death and violence, particularly in the context of horror films.
This desensitization has been a topic of discussion among scholars and critics for decades, particularly in relation to the horror genre. Poltergeist’s use of real skeletons brings this issue to the forefront, forcing audiences to confront the uncomfortable reality of how the dead are sometimes treated in the name of art and entertainment.
The Film’s Continued Popularity
Despite the controversies and the tragic events associated with its production, Poltergeist has remained a beloved film for horror fans around the world. Its blend of supernatural terror, family drama, and groundbreaking special effects has ensured its place in the pantheon of great horror films. The movie’s influence can be seen in numerous other films and television shows, and its most iconic scenes, including the swimming pool sequence, continue to be referenced and parodied in popular culture.
The film’s popularity has also been sustained by the ongoing interest in the stories behind its production. The use of real skeletons, the alleged curse, and the tragic fates of some of the cast members have all contributed to the movie’s lasting mystique. For many fans, these elements add to the film’s appeal, making it more than just a horror movie, but a piece of cinematic history with a dark and fascinating backstory.
Lessons Learned from Poltergeist
The story of Poltergeist offers several important lessons for filmmakers and audiences alike. It highlights the need for ethical considerations in the production process, particularly when it comes to the treatment of human remains. The use of real skeletons in the film, while effective in creating a sense of realism, crossed a line that many believe should not have been crossed.
The film also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in the pursuit of art. The tragedies that befell several members of the cast and crew, whether or not they were directly related to the film’s production, have become inextricably linked to the movie’s legacy. These events underscore the importance of considering the human cost of creative decisions, both in terms of physical and psychological well-being.
The Future of Horror Films
As the horror genre continues to evolve, the story of Poltergeist remains a cautionary tale for filmmakers. While the desire to create realistic and impactful scenes is understandable, it is crucial that these goals are balanced with ethical considerations and respect for the individuals involved, both living and deceased. Modern horror films have the tools and technology to achieve realism without resorting to questionable practices, and the lessons learned from Poltergeist should serve as a guide for future productions.
The film’s legacy, however, will likely endure as long as horror fans continue to seek out stories that challenge their perceptions of reality and force them to confront their deepest fears. Poltergeist remains a powerful example of how a film can transcend its genre to become a cultural touchstone, even as it raises important questions about the ethics of filmmaking.
Conclusion: The Enduring Fascination with Poltergeist
The 1982 movie Poltergeist is more than just a horror film; it is a piece of cinematic history that continues to captivate and terrify audiences more than 40 years after its release. The revelation that real skeletons were used during its production adds a chilling layer to the film’s legacy, blurring the lines between fiction and reality in a way few other movies have managed to do.
The film’s enduring popularity, despite—or perhaps because of—the controversies surrounding its production, speaks to its power as a work of art. Poltergeist challenges viewers to confront their fears, not just of the supernatural, but of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in the pursuit of artistic realism. As the horror genre continues to evolve, the lessons learned from Poltergeist will remain relevant, as a reminder of the responsibilities of creating art that touches on the darker aspects of human existence.