The 1982 film Poltergeist, directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, remains one of the most iconic horror movies of all time. Known for its terrifying supernatural elements and memorable scenes, Poltergeist has inspired countless horror fans and filmmakers over the years. However, one of the most disturbing and eerie facts surrounding the film is the claim that real skeletons were used in the making of the movie, particularly during the iconic scene where the character Diane Freeling, played by JoBeth Williams, is submerged in a pool of water and surrounded by floating skeletons.
The truth behind this story has been the subject of much debate and intrigue, sparking various rumors and discussions. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of this claim, its origins, and the impact it has had on the legacy of Poltergeist.
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The Scene That Shocked Audiences
One of the most famous scenes in Poltergeist is when the character Diane Freeling, who is trapped in a seemingly haunted house, is dragged into the swimming pool. As the water rises, a terrifying and grotesque series of skeletons begin to emerge from the pool, floating around her. The sight of these bones—both eerie and unnerving—left a lasting impression on viewers.
While the skeletons may have appeared to be standard movie props, the story that later emerged from the production was far more shocking. It was claimed that, for realism, the production team used real human skeletons during the filming of this scene.
The Origins of the Claim
The claim that Poltergeist used real skeletons in the swimming pool scene was first brought to light years after the movie was released. In interviews, several members of the film’s cast and crew, including JoBeth Williams (Diane Freeling), and special effects artist Craig Reardon, have discussed the use of real skeletons. According to these sources, the skeletons were purchased by the film’s production team from a company that supplied medical props.
While medical-grade skeletons were commonly used in the film industry at the time for their cost-effectiveness and realism, it was eventually revealed that the skeletons in Poltergeist were not props made from plastic or rubber, as initially assumed. Instead, they were actual human skeletons that had been used for scientific purposes before being sold to the film’s production.
Why Real Skeletons Were Used
The reason behind using real skeletons on the set of Poltergeist was largely financial. During the 1980s, it was much more affordable to purchase real human skeletons than to create realistic-looking replicas from synthetic materials. At the time, medical skeletons were often sold to educational institutions and for use in film productions, as they were regarded as inexpensive and readily available props.
The production team reportedly did not consider the ethical implications of using real human remains for a horror film, and they went ahead with the decision to use these authentic skeletons for the now-infamous swimming pool scene. Despite the disturbing nature of this revelation, it has since been confirmed by multiple sources, making it one of the most unsettling aspects of the film’s legacy.
The Impact on the Film’s Legacy
The revelation that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist has only added to the eerie and creepy reputation of the film. Over the years, this fact has been embraced by horror fans, adding another layer of intrigue and mystery to a movie already known for its dark and terrifying themes.
It’s important to note that the use of real skeletons was not intended to be a gimmick or marketing stunt; instead, it was a practical decision made by a production team looking to achieve a particular level of realism. However, the controversy surrounding this decision has made the film even more memorable for fans and critics alike.
The movie also sparked a broader conversation about the ethical considerations of using human remains in films. The practice, though not uncommon in the film industry in the past, is now widely considered inappropriate, and modern filmmakers would likely never use real skeletons in this way due to both ethical concerns and the availability of more advanced prop-making techniques.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Poltergeist
The production of Poltergeist itself was riddled with challenges, and the use of real skeletons was not the only controversial element. The movie also gained attention for its troubled production history, including the famous “Poltergeist Curse,” with several cast members suffering from tragic events shortly after filming.
Despite these incidents, Poltergeist has stood the test of time as one of the defining horror films of the 1980s. It continues to be a favorite among fans of supernatural horror, with its blend of terror, suspense, and unforgettable visuals.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Why did Poltergeist use real skeletons?
The filmmakers of Poltergeist used real human skeletons because they were more affordable and realistic compared to synthetic props at the time. Medical-grade skeletons were commonly used in films during the 1980s, as they were inexpensive and readily available.
2. Who confirmed that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist?
The claim that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist was confirmed by various members of the cast and crew, including JoBeth Williams and special effects artist Craig Reardon, in interviews years after the film’s release.
3. Were the skeletons used for any other scenes in Poltergeist?
The skeletons were primarily used in the swimming pool scene with Diane Freeling. It’s unclear if they were used in any other scenes, but this particular scene has become infamous for the use of real human remains.
4. Is it common for films to use real skeletons?
While it was more common in past decades to use real skeletons or medical-grade props in films, it is now considered ethically inappropriate to use human remains in such a way. Modern films typically use synthetic replicas that are just as realistic but more ethically acceptable.
5. Did the use of real skeletons affect the reception of the film?
The use of real skeletons added to the film’s creepy reputation, but it did not negatively affect its overall success. Poltergeist remains a classic of the horror genre, widely praised for its supernatural elements, storytelling, and terrifying scenes.
6. What other controversies surrounded Poltergeist?
Poltergeist became known for the “Poltergeist Curse,” with multiple cast members facing untimely deaths and tragic events, which added to the film’s legacy of mystery and intrigue.
Conclusion
The revelation that Poltergeist used real skeletons in its iconic swimming pool scene remains one of the most shocking facts in the film’s history. While the decision was made for practical reasons, it has since become an unsettling and controversial aspect of the movie’s legacy. The revelation only adds to the chilling atmosphere of a film that continues to terrify audiences to this day, ensuring that Poltergeist remains a lasting symbol of 1980s horror cinema.