In 1982, the horror movie “Poltergeist” shocked audiences with its scary story and special effects. What many don't know is that the fear extended beyond the screen—real human skeletons were used as props in the film.
Let's explore how this eerie detail came to light in “The 1982 Movie Poltergeist Used Real Skeletons.”
The Tale of the Skeletons
The film's most chilling scene occurs when chaos erupts at the Freeling family home. JoBeth Williams' character, Diane Freeling, is submerged in the family pool, now muddy and rain-soaked, and discovers it's filled with bodies.
These skeletons weren't fake; they were real human skeletons purchased from a medical supply company to save costs.
The use of real skeletons sparked ethical debates about how human remains are handled in entertainment. While financial and creative factors influenced the decision, ethical concerns remain valid. While using real skeletons in movies was once common, it's now considered unacceptable.
The Moral Discussion
The inclusion of real skeletons is often tied to the “Poltergeist curse,” a rumored curse linked to the series. This curse is believed to have caused misfortune, including the deaths of two young cast members between the releases of the first and third films.
However, some cast and crew members, like Zelda Rubinstein, who played Tangina, reject the idea of a curse.
The Curse of Poltergeist
Some people believe a curse haunted the Poltergeist movies. This is because bad things happened to some actors after the films.
One actress was sadly killed by her ex-boyfriend. Another young actress died from a medical condition.
People think the curse came from using real skeletons in the movie. But many who made the film don't believe in the curse.
The scary stories are fun to tell, but it's probably just sad events that happened by chance.
Conclusion
The 1982 film “Poltergeist” did use actual skeletons as props, a detail supported by credible sources and industry standards of that time. This eerie fact brings a sense of real-life terror to the movie, cementing its status as a memorable part of cinematic lore.
So, the next time you view “Poltergeist,” keep in mind: the skeletons that haunted the Freelings were once human, intensifying the horror of this iconic horror flick.
FAQs
What is the plot of the 1982 movie “Poltergeist”?
“Poltergeist” is a horror film about a suburban family who experiences supernatural disturbances in their home, leading to the abduction of their young daughter by malevolent spirits.
Was real human skeletons used in “Poltergeist”?
Yes, real human skeletons were indeed used as props in a scene from the movie.
Why were real skeletons used in “Poltergeist”?
Real skeletons were obtained from a medical supply company as it was more cost-effective than creating fake ones or buying pre-made replicas.
What is the “Poltergeist Curse”?
The “Poltergeist Curse” is a rumored curse linked to the series, believed to have caused misfortune and even death among cast and crew members, notably with the deaths of two young actors between the releases of the first and third films.
Who directed and produced “Poltergeist”?
The film was directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg.
What are some iconic scenes from “Poltergeist”?
One of the most memorable scenes involves the Freeling family's home descending into chaos, with Diane Freeling encountering a terrifying pool filled with mud, rain, and corpses.
