In 1982, the movie Poltergeist captivated audiences with its supernatural story and chilling scenes. However, one particular aspect of the film has been the subject of controversy and curiosity for decades—the fact that the 1982 movie Poltergeist used real skeletons as – Tymoff during production. The revelation that the filmmakers chose to use real skeletons instead of prop replicas has become a piece of Hollywood lore, sparking questions about the ethics, legality, and lasting impact of this decision.
But is this just an urban myth or did Poltergeist actually use real skeletons? This article will explore the truth behind the controversy and delve into why this decision was made, who knew about it, and how it’s affected the film’s legacy. We’ll also take a look at the ethical concerns surrounding the use of human remains in filmmaking and whether this practice was ever common in Hollywood.
Table of Contents
The Infamous Scene: Did Poltergeist Really Use Real Skeletons?
One of the most memorable—and disturbing—scenes in Poltergeist features a swimming pool filled with skeletons. This shocking moment, where Diane Freeling (played by JoBeth Williams) is pulled underwater by a force of malevolent spirits, has left a lasting impression on viewers. The scene itself is terrifying, but the fact that many of the skeletons used in it were, in fact, real human skeletons, adds another layer of horror to the film.
The claim that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist first emerged years after the film was released. For many, it was just a rumor—part of the myth surrounding the “curse” of the movie. However, it wasn’t until cast members like JoBeth Williams confirmed it in interviews that the truth began to surface. In a 1982 interview, Williams explained that the skeletons were not props but actual human remains.
Though many people still find it hard to believe, the filmmakers themselves, including special effects designer Toby Hooper, confirmed the use of real skeletons on set. The decision wasn’t made out of a desire to shock, but for practical reasons. In the early 1980s, prop skeletons were relatively expensive and often looked fake, so using real skeletons seemed like a cost-effective option for the filmmakers.
Despite the confirmation, the fact that real human skeletons were used on set remains a major talking point. It has become a part of Poltergeist‘s controversial legacy and has fueled speculation about the eerie “curse” that allegedly followed the film’s cast and crew.
Quick Information Table
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Skeletons Used in Scene | Yes, real human skeletons were used. |
| Reason for Using Real Skeletons | Cost-effective, fake ones were expensive. |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Film’s Impact on Hollywood | Became part of its haunted legacy. |
| Controversy Surrounding the Use | Rumors persisted for decades. |
Why Did Poltergeist Choose Real Skeletons for the Film?
The decision to use real skeletons in Poltergeist has puzzled many, especially considering the eerie nature of the film and the controversy surrounding it. At first glance, using real human remains in a Hollywood film might seem like an unthinkable choice, but there were practical reasons behind it. In the early 1980s, realistic fake skeletons were both expensive and hard to create convincingly. Special effects designers often faced significant challenges in replicating the intricate details and realistic appearance of human bones, and the cost of manufacturing lifelike props was prohibitive for many productions. In contrast, real skeletons were not only cheaper but were already available, making them a more attractive option for the filmmakers.
Moreover, using real skeletons wasn’t entirely unusual for Hollywood during that period. In fact, Poltergeist wasn’t the only film to have used human remains in its production. At the time, real skeletons were often sold as medical props, typically obtained from anthropological or medical institutions. These remains were considered by some to be a cost-effective and practical choice for filmmakers. However, the decision to use real skeletons for such a prominent scene—one that involved the iconic swimming pool scene where Diane Freeling is surrounded by floating corpses—added an unexpected layer of authenticity to the chilling atmosphere of the film.
Behind the Scenes: Who Knew About the Real Skeletons?
While the use of real skeletons was certainly a shocking choice, the question remains: who knew about it? Initially, many of the cast and crew members were unaware that real human remains were being used. JoBeth Williams, who portrayed Diane Freeling, was one of the first to publicly acknowledge the use of real skeletons, later revealing in interviews that she didn’t know at the time of filming. She recalled the scene in which she is pulled into the pool, with the skeletons surrounding her, and admitted that she thought they were simply props. It wasn’t until later, when she learned the truth, that she was taken aback by the revelation.
Toby Hooper, the director of Poltergeist, and Steven Spielberg, the film’s producer, are the two central figures behind the decision to use real skeletons. It’s clear that they were aware of the choice, and it seems they made the decision primarily based on budgetary concerns rather than any desire for sensationalism. According to various accounts from those involved in the production, the use of real skeletons was not a secret but was also not widely publicized at the time. The ethical and legal concerns surrounding the use of human remains in films weren’t as heavily scrutinized in the early 1980s as they are today, which likely contributed to the decision not being questioned more vigorously during production.
The Ethics and Legality of Using Real Skeletons in Filmmaking
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist has raised important ethical questions. Many argue that using human remains for entertainment, especially in a horror film, is disrespectful. While the skeletons were legally obtained from medical institutions, their use as props in a film designed to entertain could be seen as insensitive. In the early 1980s, there were fewer regulations regarding the use of human remains in film, which might explain why this practice was not as controversial at the time. However, it still brings up concerns about the treatment of human remains in media.
Legally, the filmmakers didn’t break any laws as the skeletons were sourced from licensed medical supply companies. However, the ethical implications remain significant. Today, such a decision would likely face intense scrutiny. Even though the skeletons were obtained legally, their use in a horror film—especially in a scene of chaos and violence—raises questions about whether filmmakers should have considered the moral responsibility of using real human remains for a sensationalized scene.
The Legacy of Poltergeist and the Real Skeletons Controversy
The use of real skeletons has certainly shaped Poltergeist‘s legacy. Over the years, it has become a cultural phenomenon, but the controversy over the skeletons has added to its mystique. Some fans believe the so-called “curse” of the film, which affected the cast and crew, is linked to the use of real human remains, while others dismiss it as coincidence. Regardless, the revelation has made Poltergeist even more infamous, adding to the eerie atmosphere surrounding the film.
While some viewers find the knowledge of real skeletons disturbing, others argue that it only enhances the film’s haunting legacy. The idea that filmmakers used real human remains to intensify the horror of Poltergeist makes it even more chilling for some. However, for others, it complicates their enjoyment of the film, raising uncomfortable ethical questions about the use of human remains in entertainment.
Fact-Checking: The Truth Behind the Poltergeist Skeletons Myth
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist has often been the subject of much speculation and myth. While rumors about the film’s “curse” and the shocking details surrounding the skeletons have circulated for years, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. The claim that real human remains were used in the iconic pool scene was first confirmed by some of the cast members, most notably JoBeth Williams, who admitted she was unaware of the skeletons’ true nature during filming. This only fueled the ongoing mystery about the film, especially as other cast members echoed similar sentiments.
Despite the unsettling nature of the revelation, much of the controversy surrounding the skeletons is based on hearsay and urban legend. Many fans still wonder whether the use of real skeletons was intentional or a creative decision made out of necessity due to the cost and availability of realistic props. While some may argue that using real human remains crossed a line, others claim it was a practical choice given the time and budget constraints. Regardless, the myth of the Poltergeist skeletons continues to be a major talking point among fans, keeping the film’s eerie reputation alive even decades after its release.
Conclusion: The Impact of the Real Skeletons on Poltergeist’s Place in Cinema History
The controversy surrounding the use of real skeletons has undeniably left a permanent mark on Poltergeist‘s place in cinema history. For some, the film’s eerie atmosphere and shocking details, including the use of real human remains, make it even more iconic. The connection between Poltergeist and the “curse” of the set has only added to its mystique, turning it into a movie that many horror fans continue to discuss and dissect. For others, the knowledge of real skeletons being used in the film raises uncomfortable ethical concerns, diminishing the enjoyment of the film itself. The debate between horror and ethics, realism and sensationalism, is what keeps Poltergeist a relevant topic for both critics and audiences alike.
The decision to use real skeletons in Poltergeist may have been born from budgetary and practical concerns, but it has contributed to the film’s lasting legacy. Whether you view it as an unsettling fact that adds to the movie’s mystique or as an ethical misstep, there’s no denying that the skeleton controversy has helped solidify Poltergeist as a timeless piece of horror cinema. The film’s disturbing legacy, both in its haunting content and the story behind its production, continues to captivate audiences, making it one of the most talked-about horror films of all time.
FAQs
1. Did Poltergeist really use real skeletons in the film?
Yes, the 1982 movie Poltergeist used real human skeletons in some of its scenes, particularly the infamous pool scene where Diane is surrounded by floating skeletons. Although this detail was not widely known during production, it was later confirmed by cast members like JoBeth Williams.
2. Why did Poltergeist use real skeletons instead of props?
The filmmakers opted for real skeletons because fake skeletons at the time were expensive and often appeared unrealistic. Real human remains were more readily available and cheaper, making them a practical choice, albeit a controversial one.
3. Was everyone on set aware that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist?
No, many cast and crew members were unaware that real skeletons were being used. JoBeth Williams, for instance, did not learn about it until after filming. The decision was kept somewhat quiet by the producers and director.
4. Are there any legal issues surrounding the use of real skeletons in films?
At the time Poltergeist was made, there were no strict regulations governing the use of human remains in films. The skeletons used in the movie were legally obtained from licensed medical supply companies, so there were no legal violations, though ethical concerns have since emerged.
5. How has the use of real skeletons in Poltergeist affected its legacy?
The revelation about the real skeletons has added to the film’s mystique, contributing to the “curse” myth and sparking ongoing discussions about ethics in filmmaking. For some, this only enhances the film’s eerie legacy, while for others, it raises uncomfortable ethical questions.
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