The 1982 supernatural horror film “Poltergeist” remains a chilling classic, lauded for its groundbreaking special effects and its unsettling portrayal of a suburban family terrorized by malevolent spirits. But behind the scenes, a secret lurked – a secret that would add an unexpected layer of unease to the film’s legacy. This secret? The use of real human skeletons as props in a pivotal scene.
A Cost-Effective Choice with Unethical Implications
In the film’s climax, the Freeling family home descends into chaos as vengeful spirits unleash their fury. Among the nightmarish imagery is a scene where the pool transforms into a roiling vortex, spewing forth skeletal remains. According to special effects makeup artist Craig Reardon, the production team opted for a rather unorthodox solution: acquiring genuine human skeletons for the scene.
The reasoning behind this decision was rooted in practicality. Cost-effective considerations were paramount. Creating realistic-looking plastic skeletons proved to be a far more expensive endeavor in 1982. Real skeletons, on the other hand, could be sourced relatively cheaply from medical supply companies. While the ethics of using human remains in a horror film would be heavily scrutinized today, such concerns were not as prevalent in the early 1980s.
A Revelation That Sent Shivers Down Spines
The decision to utilize real skeletons was not without its consequences. Actresses JoBeth Williams (Diane Freeling) and Dominique Dunne (Dana Freeling) later revealed that they were completely unaware of the true nature of the props they were interacting with during filming. Williams, who submerged herself in a tank filled with the skeletal remains, recounted the experience as a disturbing surprise. Learning only after filming concluded that the bones were genuine added a layer of unsettling realism to the scene, a realism the actresses hadn’t bargained for.
The Ethical Debate: Art vs. Respect
The revelation of real skeletons in “Poltergeist” sparked a debate about the boundaries of filmmaking. While some argued that the decision was a pragmatic one, driven by budgetary constraints, others found it disrespectful to the deceased. The film industry, for the most part, remained silent on the issue.
The controversy surrounding the use of real skeletons serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of ethical considerations in Hollywood. As special effects technology has advanced, the need for such unorthodox methods has diminished. Today, filmmakers can create convincingly realistic skeletal figures using CGI and other digital techniques.
The Enduring Legacy of “Poltergeist” and the Skeletons Within
“Poltergeist” continues to be a touchstone for horror film enthusiasts. Its innovative special effects, its suspenseful narrative, and its exploration of suburban anxieties all contribute to its enduring legacy. Yet, the chilling truth about the real skeletons adds a new dimension to the film’s mystique. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most frightening aspects of a horror movie can lie not on the screen, but behind the scenes.
Beyond the Skeletons: A Look at the Special Effects of “Poltergeist”
While the use of real skeletons is undeniably the most talked-about aspect of “Poltergeist”s special effects, it’s important to acknowledge the film’s groundbreaking use of other techniques. Industrial Light & Magic, the special effects company founded by George Lucas, played a pivotal role in bringing the film’s phantasmagoric sequences to life.
Miniature sets were employed to create the illusion of a house being ravaged by unseen forces. Stop-motion animation was used to animate objects like the iconic “possessed” toys that torment the Freeling children. Early forms of computer graphics were even incorporated, a testament to the film’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of visual effects.
The special effects team’s ingenuity and meticulous attention to detail are what truly elevate “Poltergeist”s scares. The use of real skeletons, while undeniably unsettling, is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s the seamless integration of various techniques that creates a sense of believable dread, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
The Haunting Power of “Poltergeist”: A Fusion of Innovation and Unease
“Poltergeist” stands as a landmark in horror cinema. It not only terrified audiences in 1982, but it continues to resonate with viewers today. The film’s enduring power lies in its ability to tap into primal fears, its exploration of the fragility of the domestic sphere, and of course, its innovative special effects. The revelation of real skeletons adds a layer of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. “Poltergeist” is a chilling reminder that sometimes the line between entertainment and exploitation can be a thin one. The ethical considerations surrounding the use of real skeletons remain a point of contention. However, there’s no denying the film’s impact. “Poltergeist” redefined what was possible in the horror genre, paving the way for a wave of special effects-driven films in the years to come.
A Legacy of Controversy and Influence
The legacy of “Poltergeist” is a complex one. It’s a film lauded for its technical brilliance, yet forever tainted by the unsettling truth about the skeletons. Its influence on horror cinema is undeniable. Films like “Gremlins” and “Ghostbusters” owe a debt to “Poltergeist”s” blend of scares and dark humor.
The film’s enduring popularity has also spawned numerous sequels and remakes, with varying degrees of success. While none have managed to capture the same level of innovation and unease as the original, they serve as a testament to the film’s lasting impact on popular culture.
A Final Look: A Timeless Tale of Terror
“Poltergeist” is more than just a horror film with a dark secret. It’s a chilling exploration of suburban anxieties, a cautionary tale about the dangers of progress built upon forgotten wrongs. The film’s special effects, while groundbreaking for their time, are ultimately a tool used to serve the story. It’s the narrative, the characters, and the underlying themes that resonate with audiences.
The unsettling truth about the real skeletons adds a layer of complexity to the film’s legacy. It serves as a reminder of the lengths some filmmakers are willing to go to in pursuit of realism. Whether one views the decision as a mark of ingenuity or a lapse in judgement is ultimately a matter of personal opinion.
One thing remains certain: “Poltergeist” continues to be a film that provokes discussion, chills audiences, and leaves a lasting impression. It’s a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted horror story, a story that’s equal parts terrifying and thought-provoking.
