Suppose you’re acting in a horror movie and suddenly you got to know that in one of the scenes you worked with real skeletons instead of props. How will you feel at the moment?
You’ll feel just like the cast of Poltergeist felt. Yes you heard that right. In 1982, the American supernatural horror film, Poltergeist used real skeletons in one of its scenes that involve JoBeth Williams’s character Diane Freeling, struggling in a muddy, rain-filled swimming pool.
The actors were not just working with special effects; they were up close with human remains! This haunting twist that continues to haunt the legacy of the movie. It made Poltergeist so creepily unforgettable and also a source of rumors that said the film and its cast had a curse.
Why would the makers have used real skeletons when props and special effects could have easily been used like all other horror movies? Let’s find out the answer in the article below.
Is it True the 1982 Movie Poltergeist Used Real Skeletons?
Yes, it is true that real skeletons were used in the 1982 movie, Poltergeist. Neither filmmakers nor the studio ever acknowledged it as an official confirmation. In the interviews later, a special effects artist, Craig Reardon who worked in the movie stated that real skeletons were used as they were easily accessible through medical supply companies at that time.
However, many fans believe the use of real skeletons has something to do with the “curse” that seems to have afflicted the Poltergeist, which details a series of tragic events, affecting the cast and crew members.
Where were Real Skeletons Use in the Movie?
The most famous scene in which real skeletons were used involves Diane Freeling, played by JoBeth Williams, swimming through a muddy pool. As she was trying to get out of the pool, skeletons beging emerging from the water. All this made it an iconic scene not for its shocking effect, but for the use of real skeletons instead of props.
These skeletons have long been rumored to be anything but just props. During interviews, many crew members confirm that real human skeletons were used. The use of real bones enabled a look much more realistic than that which was otherwise available at that time in the form of artificial bones. Thus, this movie’s history is forever imprinted on its name as “Poltergeist,” forever leaving an imprint of eerie stories.
Why Were Real Skeletons Used in Poltergeist?
There are practical and financial reasons behind using real skeletons in the Poltergeist movie. At the time the movie was being shot, real skeletons were cheaper and easier to obtain than high-quality props. On the other hand, artificial skeletons were too expensive, so production went with real skeletons.
Although cheaper, real skeletons have been part of Hollywood films in the past, which has only stopped using it as recently as when better alternatives for props became available based on advancements in prop manufacturing.
After the movie was released, using real skeletons to shoot that film became largely unpopular among the cast and crew, with different persons saying strange and spooky things are happening around them based on time.
What’s the Story of the 1982 Movie Poltergeist?
Directed by Tobe Hooper and written by Steven Spielberg, the 1982 film Poltergeist revolve around a well-known family, including parents Steven and Diane, teenage daughter Dana, young son Robbie, and 5-year-old Carol Anne, living in a home built within what appears to be a rather typical California suburb. Their peaceful life turned upside down by supernatural activities in their home.
It begins subtly, with objects moving on their own and electronic devices acting erratically, but the disturbances rapidly escalate.
One evening, young Carol Anne starts speaking with unseen spirits through the static of the family’s television, eerily declaring “They’re here!” Shortly thereafter, the ghosts abduct Carol Anne, pulling her into a spirit realm through her bedroom closet. The Freelings become desperate to rescue their daughter and seek the help of a team of parapsychologists and, later, a powerful medium named Tangina Barrons.
They soon discover that the house was constructed on a cemetery and that the agitated spirits are trying to avenge their unburied graves. The wrath and power of the spirits intensify as the family battles to reclaim Carol Anne.
In the end, they succeed in rescuing Carol Anne, but the forces will not be satiated. As they are preparing to leave, the house itself becomes alive with malevolent energy, and they have a final, dramatic confrontation. The movie ends with the family running from their destroyed home, traumatized by the experience but alive.
How Did the Cast and Crew Members Reacted to the Use of Real Skeletons in the Movie?
The cast and crew of Poltergeist were shocked and uneasy when they get to know about the use of real skeletons during filming.
During interviews, JoBeth Williams, who acted as Diane Freeling in the famous muddy pool scene, in which real skeletons were used, talked about the shock that would hit her upon learning the actual truth about the set. She said, “I know it’s gory and disgusting, but as an actor, when the realism comes, it just enhances the fear.”
Some have said that they were always aware of the existence of the skeletons but have never disclosed why this decision was taken – for some, it became a convenient choice while in other instances, they wish they hadn’t used skeletons.
This discovery has been a disputed issue in the mouths of film cast to date, which are still trying to describe this experience in interviews; it is one of the reasons for the creepy afterlife of Poltergeist.
What is the Impact of the Use of Real Skeletons On Horror Filmmaking?
Real skeletons have a very controversial history that goes back to age-old times in horror filmmaking, thus greatly affecting the genre in terms of its artistic and ethical dimensions. Filmmakers using real skeletons make this element of authenticity that props cannot even come near to. Real bones provide unique textures, irregularities, and details that help enhance suspension of disbelief in such horror scenes among the audience.
However, utilizing real skeletons raises several ethical questions. First and foremost, it often relates to such issues as consent and sensitivity towards human remains, where skeletons are sourced without transparency.
Viewers may also feel uneasy having known that real bones are used, changing their views about the film. Considering the current awareness, the studios and the audience often prefer realistic props, choosing such ethical filmmaking over other possible shortcuts.
In terms of aesthetics, using real skeletons brings to the horror film legacy the sense of mystery and unknown where the reality and imaginarium is very much interwoven. Of course, nowadays, by making use of modern tools available, most productions opt to not make use of actual remains since they achieve the same chilling effect from ethically correct alternatives.
The Poltergeist Curse
The so-called “Poltergeist curse” is the haunting reminder of the series of tragic events faced by the cast of the movie. Dominique Dunne, who played the eldest daughter, Dana Freeling, was tragically murdered in a domestic violence at the age of 22 shortly after the film’s release.
Besides, Heather O’Rourke, who portrayed the role of Carol Anne, also died young of complications from an illness before Poltergeist III came out. From these events, there have been so many unexplained occurrences associated with the movie that talk about a curse.
This actually increased the movie curse theory as many believe the idea that tampering with the dead body only helped expand on the dark story attached to this film. Regardless of how supernatural the entire aspect of a curse, what transpired has draped the whole film Poltergeist in an eerie essence of things and one is allowed to deem it to be the most infamous of the horror film genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did the Filmmakers of Poltergeist Actually Use Real Skeletons?
Yes, real skeletons were used in Poltergeist, as confirmed by most of the cast and crew members.
2. Why Were Real Skeletons Used Instead of Props?
At that time, real skeletons were cheaper than props. Special effects were not well-developed in 1982, and using real skeletons had the realism that the film-makers wanted.
3. Who Confirmed that Real Skeletons Were Used in Poltergeist?
The actress who played Diane Freeling, JoBeth Williams, confirmed that the makers used real skeletons while filming the muddy pool scene. On the other hand, aspecial effects artist also confirmed this news.
4. Does Using Real Skeletons in Poltergeist Linked to the “Poltergeist Curse”?
Many fans believe that filming with real skeletons had something to do with what is termed the “Poltergeist Curse,” a series of tragic events that occurred with several members of the cast. This remains speculatory and has not been proven.
5. Was it Legal to Use Real Skeletons in the 1980s?
Yes, it was legal. Skeletons often originated from the medical supply companies can be legally used in the movies.
6. Did Using Real Skeletons in Poltergeist have any Impact on the Actors?
Some actors, including JoBeth Williams, complained that she felt uneasy and frightened when she finally found out that they were working with actual skeletons.
7. Are Real Skeletons Still Used in Movies Today?
No, using real skeletons is no longer used nowadays and is unethical by today’s definition. Modern special effects are designed so that filmmakers can easily create a realistic skeleton by using props, CGI, or synthetic materials.
8. How Did Audiences React When They Found Out Real Skeletons Were Used in Poltergeist?
The news took some of the fans off guard, disturbing them because many of them were shocked to find out that something like this was used, which gave a real-life eeriness to the already very chilling storyline of Poltergeist.
