When you think about horror movies, there’s usually one question that lingers in the back of your mind—how much of what you’re seeing is actually “real”? In the case of the 1982 horror classic Poltergeist, there’s a shocking rumor that refuses to die: Did they really use real skeletons during filming?
It’s one of those unsettling stories that gets passed around like a campfire tale. Some say it’s true; others dismiss it as an urban legend. But, there’s more to this than just a spooky tale. Let’s dive deep into this mystery, find out whether Poltergeist actually used real skeletons, and explore why this fact (or myth) has left such a lasting impact on horror cinema.
Introduction to Poltergeist (1982)
Released in 1982, Poltergeist is a supernatural horror film that tells the story of a suburban family terrorized by malevolent spirits. Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, this film became an instant classic. But beyond the eerie plot and chilling special effects, Poltergeist earned a notorious reputation for something far more sinister—the use of real skeletons.
The Infamous Swimming Pool Scene
One of the most terrifying moments in the film happens in the swimming pool scene. JoBeth Williams’ character, Diane, is thrown into a muddy pit filled with water, and skeletons start to emerge all around her. What makes this scene even more horrifying? It’s believed that the skeletons in this scene were real.
Why would filmmakers use real skeletons instead of fake ones? The truth is, back in the early 1980s, real skeletons were cheaper to procure than creating plastic replicas. This cost-effective yet disturbing practice was not unusual in Hollywood at the time.
Why Use Real Skeletons? {#why-real-skeletons}
Using real skeletons in films might sound horrifying today, but it wasn’t always seen that way. In the world of practical effects, especially in the pre-digital age of filmmaking, real human remains were often used as props. The primary reason? Cost. Making realistic-looking skeletons out of plastic was actually more expensive than buying genuine bones from medical supply companies.
Back in the day, ethics around using human remains weren’t as tightly regulated as they are today, allowing filmmakers to take such creative liberties without much backlash.
Hollywood’s Dark History with Skeletons {#hollywood-history}
Believe it or not, Poltergeist wasn’t the first film to use real skeletons. In fact, Hollywood has a long history of using human remains in films, especially in horror movies. Famous examples include movies like House on Haunted Hill (1959) and The Haunted Mansion.
Back then, it was considered more “authentic” to use real skeletons to achieve a realistic horror aesthetic. However, the knowledge that actual human bones were used has caused some controversy, especially in later years.
Special Effects in the ’80s: A Different Era {#special-effects}
In today’s world of CGI and digital effects, the idea of using real skeletons seems bizarre. But in the 1980s, special effects artists were limited by the technology of the time. Practical effects reigned supreme, and realism was key. Using real skeletons gave the scenes an authenticity that fake props couldn’t quite replicate.
However, this practice was more common than you might think. It wasn’t until later that Hollywood, and society as a whole, began questioning the ethics of using human remains in films.
The Cast’s Reaction to Real Skeletons
JoBeth Williams, who played the character of Diane Freeling, later confirmed in interviews that she had no idea the skeletons were real until after filming wrapped. Can you imagine the shock? Imagine being an actor in a horror movie, thinking you’re surrounded by fake skeletons, only to find out they were real human bones. The psychological impact must have been intense.
Williams expressed discomfort in retrospect, but during filming, the crew likely treated it as just another day on set.
How Did This Become a Famous Urban Legend?
The idea that Poltergeist used real skeletons quickly turned into a popular urban legend. The story was whispered among horror fans, gradually becoming part of the film’s legacy.
It didn’t help that there was already talk of a “curse” surrounding the movie, with several cast members experiencing tragic deaths. The use of real skeletons only fueled the eerie mystique that surrounded the production.
Ethics in Movie-Making: Was This Wrong?
While it might have seemed like a harmless production choice at the time, using real human remains raises some serious ethical concerns. Is it acceptable to use real skeletons, knowing that they once belonged to a living person? Should movie productions be more responsible in sourcing their props?
Over time, Hollywood and society have become more conscious of these ethical issues, moving away from practices like this.
Did It Impact the Poltergeist Curse?
The infamous Poltergeist curse is a well-known theory among horror fans, suggesting that the deaths of several cast members were linked to the movie. Some speculate that the use of real skeletons may have angered spirits, contributing to this so-called curse.
Whether you believe in curses or not, it’s hard to deny that the association between real skeletons and the eerie happenings around Poltergeist has left an enduring mark.
Are Real Skeletons Still Used in Movies Today?
Thankfully, the use of real skeletons has been largely phased out in modern filmmaking. With the advent of CGI and advanced practical effects, there’s no longer any need to resort to such extreme methods. Today’s movies rely on hyper-realistic props and digital magic to achieve the same frightening effects.
The Lasting Impact of Poltergeist on Horror
Even decades later, Poltergeist remains one of the most influential horror films in cinema history. The combination of its chilling storyline, iconic special effects, and, of course, the urban legend surrounding the use of real skeletons has cemented its legacy in pop culture.
Whether or not you believe the skeleton story, there’s no denying the film’s lasting influence on the horror genre.
Conclusion
So, did the filmmakers behind Poltergeist really use real skeletons? Yes, they did. But it wasn’t as unusual or scandalous at the time as it seems today. What’s more fascinating is how this fact turned into one of the most famous horror movie legends, giving Poltergeist an added layer of real-life fear.
FAQs
1. Did they really use real skeletons in Poltergeist?
Yes, real skeletons were used in several scenes due to cost and availability at the time.
2. Why didn’t they use fake skeletons instead?
Creating realistic fake skeletons was more expensive than buying real ones from medical supply companies in the 1980s.
3. How did the actors feel about working with real skeletons?
Many actors, including JoBeth Williams, were unaware that the skeletons were real until after filming.
4. Is the Poltergeist curse real?
While many believe in the curse due to strange events, there’s no concrete evidence linking it to the use of skeletons.
5. Are real skeleton still used in movies today?
No, modern films no longer use real skeleton thanks to advances in CGI and practical effects.
