The 1982 horror classic Poltergeist, directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, is infamous for more than just its haunting storyline. Over the years, it has garnered a reputation for being cursed the 1982 movie poltergeist used real skeletons as – tymoff, largely due to a controversial claim that real skeletons were used during filming. This revelation has fascinated and horrified fans of the movie for decades.
In this article, we’ll explore the claim, the reason behind it, and the lasting impact it has had on the legacy of Poltergeist and its association with what some refer to as the “Poltergeist Curse.”
The Skeleton Scene in Poltergeist
One of the most famous and unsettling scenes in Poltergeist involves JoBeth Williams’ character, Diane Freeling, being dragged into a muddy pool filled with skeletons during the climax of the film. As rain pours down, and the family’s home seems to be collapsing into chaos, Diane finds herself surrounded by human remains.
This scene, although terrifying on its own, became even more disturbing when it was revealed years later that the skeletons used in the scene weren’t just props, but were allegedly real human skeletons.
Why Were Real Skeletons Used?
The use of real skeletons in movies is not unheard of, especially in the earlier days of cinema. During the 1980s, creating high-quality prop skeletons was an expensive and time-consuming process. Real skeletons, on the other hand, were often more affordable and readily available for use in movies.
According to JoBeth Williams, who played the mother in Poltergeist, she was unaware that the skeletons were real until after filming was completed. In an interview, she explained that the production crew opted to use real human skeletons in the famous pool scene due to cost constraints. Craig Reardon, the film’s special effects artist, also later confirmed that using real skeletons was a common practice in the industry at the time because they were cheaper than creating lifelike replicas.
The “Poltergeist Curse” and Its Origins
The revelation that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist contributed to the development of the Poltergeist Curse—a superstition that surrounds the film due to a series of tragic events involving members of the cast.
Several cast members passed away under tragic or unusual circumstances following the release of the Poltergeist films, leading to widespread belief that the film was somehow cursed. Some notable incidents include:
- Dominique Dunne, who played the eldest daughter, Dana Freeling, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1982, shortly after the release of the movie.
- Heather O’Rourke, the young actress who played Carol Anne Freeling, died at the age of 12 in 1988 due to complications from a misdiagnosed intestinal condition.
These tragic deaths, coupled with the eerie nature of the movie and the use of real skeletons, fueled the myth that the film and its sequels were haunted or cursed.
Ethical and Cultural Implications
The use of real human remains in film production raises ethical and cultural concerns. While it may have been cost-effective, the decision to use actual skeletons—potentially without proper respect or acknowledgment—brings up questions of dignity and respect for the deceased.
Some believe that the decision to use real human remains may have contributed to the so-called “curse,” as there are various cultural taboos surrounding the disturbance or misuse of human remains. Whether or not the skeletons were ethically sourced remains unclear, but the controversy continues to cast a shadow over the film’s legacy.
Did the Use of Real Skeletons Influence Horror Films?
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist certainly left its mark on the horror genre. It not only added to the unsettling realism of the film but also sparked discussions on practical effects versus moral considerations in filmmaking.
In the years since, horror films have relied more on special effects and digital technology to achieve their frightening imagery, but the legacy of Poltergeist’s real skeleton usage continues to be a point of fascination for horror enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.
The Impact on the Legacy of Poltergeist
The controversy surrounding the skeletons in Poltergeist has become a significant part of the film’s legacy. While it remains a horror classic, often praised for its storytelling and direction, the behind-the-scenes stories have become an inseparable part of the movie’s lore.
Fans continue to discuss the “curse” and speculate on whether the use of real skeletons played a role in the tragic events that followed the film’s release. Although the curse remains more myth than fact, the eerie connection between the movie’s production and the misfortunes of its cast has cemented Poltergeist’s status as one of the most intriguing and mysterious films in cinema history.
Conclusion: Real Skeletons and the Enduring Mystery
While the use of real skeletons in Poltergeist was initially a practical decision based on cost, it has since become one of the most talked-about aspects of the movie. The revelation adds a disturbing layer of realism to the film’s terrifying imagery and has only deepened the fascination with the so-called “Poltergeist Curse.”
The ethical questions raised by this decision, combined with the tragic events involving the cast, have ensured that Poltergeist is remembered as much for its behind-the-scenes stories as for its on-screen horror. Whether or not the use of real skeletons contributed to the film’s eerie legacy, it remains one of the most unsettling facts about the making of this horror classic.