The 1982 supernatural horror film Poltergeist remains one of the most iconic and terrifying movies in cinematic history. Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, the film captivated audiences with its chilling story about a suburban family haunted by malevolent spirits. However, beyond the on-screen scares, Poltergeist harbors a darker, lesser-known secret that has fascinated horror fans and film buffs for decades.
One of the most shocking behind-the-scenes facts is that the production used real human skeletons as props in the infamous swimming pool scene. This revelation has become a legendary piece of Hollywood trivia, adding an extra layer of macabre fascination to the film’s legacy. This article explores the reasons behind this unusual choice, the ethical questions it raised, and how it contributed to the mythos surrounding Poltergeist.
What Happened? The Use of Real Skeletons in Poltergeist
The Iconic Pool Scene
In one of the film’s most memorable and unsettling moments, the character Diane Freeling (played by JoBeth Williams) finds herself trapped in a swimming pool filled with skeletal remains. The scene’s eerie atmosphere is heightened by the realistic appearance of the bones scattered around her, creating a haunting visual that has stayed with audiences for over four decades.
Real Skeletons, Not Props
Contrary to what many might assume, the skeletons used in this scene were not plastic or rubber props. They were actual human skeletons, purchased from medical supply companies that provide anatomical specimens for educational and scientific purposes.
-
The production team acquired these skeletons because high-quality fake skeletons were either unavailable or prohibitively expensive at the time.
-
Real skeletons offered a level of authenticity that artificial props could not easily replicate.
-
The bones were treated and painted to appear weathered and aged, enhancing the scene’s realism.
How Did the Cast React?
JoBeth Williams, the lead actress in the scene, later revealed that she had no idea the skeletons were real during filming. She only discovered this unsettling fact afterward, which deeply disturbed her. Knowing that she had been surrounded by actual human remains added a new dimension of fear and discomfort to her experience on set.
Why Did the 1982 Movie Poltergeist Use Real Skeletons? – Tymoff Explains
The decision to use real skeletons was influenced by several practical and economic factors:
1. Budget Constraints
Despite the involvement of Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist was made on a relatively modest budget for a Hollywood production. Creating or renting high-quality fake skeletons that looked convincing on camera was costly. Real skeletons, sourced from medical suppliers, were significantly cheaper.
2. Authenticity and Realism
The filmmakers wanted the scene to have a convincing, visceral impact. Real bones provided natural textures, shapes, and details that were difficult to replicate with the special effects technology of the early 1980s.
3. Industry Practice at the Time
Using real human skeletons in movies was not unheard of in Hollywood during that era. Medical schools and anatomical suppliers sold skeletons for educational use, and filmmakers sometimes purchased these for prop use, especially when realism was paramount.
Ethical Considerations and Controversies
The use of real human remains in film production raises important ethical questions:
-
Respect for the deceased: Some critics argue that using actual skeletons as movie props is disrespectful to the individuals who once lived.
-
Consent and provenance: It’s unclear whether the skeletons used in Poltergeist were sourced with full consent or knowledge about their eventual use in entertainment.
-
Industry standards: Today, the use of real human remains in film is extremely rare and heavily regulated, reflecting changing attitudes toward ethical treatment of human bodies.
Despite these concerns, at the time, the practice was more accepted, especially given the practical challenges of creating convincing fake skeletons.
The Poltergeist Curse and the Skeleton Legend
The revelation about the real skeletons adds fuel to the infamous “Poltergeist curse” myth. This urban legend suggests that the film’s production was plagued by supernatural misfortune and tragedy, including:
-
The untimely deaths of several cast members, such as Dominique Dunne and Heather O’Rourke.
-
Strange accidents and illnesses affecting those involved in the film.
-
The eerie coincidence of real human bones being used on set, which some believe contributed to the curse.
While these events are tragic, most experts agree that the “curse” is a combination of coincidence and sensationalism. However, the use of real skeletons undeniably adds a haunting layer to the film’s mystique.
Points Summary
-
Poltergeist (1982) used real human skeletons in the famous pool scene to enhance realism.
-
Real skeletons were purchased from medical suppliers, as fake props were expensive and less convincing.
-
Actress JoBeth Williams was unaware of the skeletons’ authenticity during filming.
-
The decision was influenced by budget constraints and the desire for authenticity.
-
Use of real skeletons was a somewhat common practice in Hollywood at the time but raises ethical questions today.
-
The skeleton story contributes to the legend of the “Poltergeist curse,” linked to tragic events after the film’s release.
-
The film remains a landmark in horror cinema for its practical effects and chilling atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is it true that Poltergeist used real skeletons in the pool scene?
A: Yes, the production used real human skeletons purchased from medical supply companies to create a more authentic and eerie atmosphere.
Q2: Why didn’t the filmmakers use fake skeletons?
A: High-quality fake skeletons were expensive and less realistic at the time. Real skeletons were more affordable and provided natural detail.
Q3: Were the actors aware they were surrounded by real skeletons?
A: No, most cast members, including JoBeth Williams, were not informed during filming and only found out afterward.
Q4: Is using real skeletons in movies common today?
A: No, modern ethical standards and regulations make the use of real human remains in films very rare and often prohibited.
Q5: What is the “Poltergeist curse”?
A: It’s a popular urban legend suggesting that the film’s cast and crew were cursed due to tragic events and the use of real skeletons, though this is largely speculative.
Q6: Who directed and produced Poltergeist?
A: The film was directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg.
Conclusion
The use of real human skeletons in the 1982 movie Poltergeist is a fascinating and unsettling piece of film history. Driven by budget constraints and the desire for authenticity, the filmmakers’ choice added a chilling realism to one of the film’s most iconic scenes. While it sparked ethical debates and contributed to the film’s eerie reputation, it also cemented Poltergeist as a landmark in horror cinema.
Whether you’re a horror aficionado or a curious film buff, the story behind the skeletons adds a haunting dimension to the legacy of Poltergeist – a reminder that sometimes, the scariest things in movies come from real life.