The 1982 Movie Poltergeist Used Real Skeletons: Fact or Fiction?

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When Poltergeist was released in 1982, it quickly became a horror classic, scaring audiences with its eerie storyline, creepy special effects, and the unsettling concept of a family being haunted by malevolent spirits. However, as chilling as the film was, an even more disturbing rumor has followed it for decades: the claim that real human skeletons were used in its production. This claim has haunted the movie’s legacy, raising questions about the ethics of filmmaking, the eerie nature of the horror genre, and whether this fact contributed to the so-called “Poltergeist curse.”

In this article, we’ll explore the origin of this rumor, how it impacted the film, and whether there is any truth behind it. Additionally, we’ll consider how this alleged fact ties into broader questions about Hollywood ethics and superstition. By the end, we’ll look at how the “real skeletons” claim has become an integral part of the Poltergeist legend and its influence on horror films.

The Origins of the “Real Skeletons” Rumor

The rumor that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist stems from a particular scene in the movie. Toward the end of the film, JoBeth Williams’ character, Diane, falls into a muddy swimming pool that begins to fill with water and debris. As she struggles to escape, several skeletons rise from the ground, surrounding her in a scene of pure horror. It’s visually terrifying, but behind the scenes, it was reportedly even more disturbing.

In an interview years after the movie’s release, JoBeth Williams revealed that the skeletons in the pool scene were not props. She explained that the film crew had used real human skeletons instead of fake ones, citing budgetary concerns. According to her, it was cheaper at the time to acquire actual skeletons than to create realistic fake ones. The use of real human remains in a movie, especially one about spirits and the supernatural, added an unsettling layer of authenticity to the film’s macabre atmosphere.

Williams’ revelation sparked controversy and rumors that real skeletons had been used in multiple scenes throughout the movie, contributing to the film’s disturbing atmosphere both on and off the screen. For fans of the film and horror enthusiasts alike, this detail only heightened the sense of dread surrounding Poltergeist.

Hollywood’s History with Real Skeletons

The idea of using real skeletons in film may sound shocking today, but Hollywood’s history with this practice stretches back decades. Before modern advancements in special effects and prop-making, filmmakers often turned to real skeletons when they needed authentic-looking bones on screen.

One well-known example is the 1931 film Frankenstein, in which real skeletons were reportedly used in the laboratory scenes. Back in the early days of cinema, special effects were limited, and real human remains were sometimes seen as an easier, more cost-effective option than creating fake skeletons that looked convincing on camera.

However, by the 1980s, advances in movie makeup, props, and animatronics had made it possible to create highly realistic special effects. This makes the use of real skeletons in Poltergeist particularly disturbing, as it was no longer a necessity, but a cost-saving measure.

Did Poltergeist Use Real Skeletons? Fact or Myth?

Despite JoBeth Williams’ statements, the actual truth behind the “real skeletons” rumor has been debated. Several other sources, including special effects artists who worked on the film, have corroborated her claim. Craig Reardon, the film’s special makeup effects artist, stated in an interview that real skeletons were indeed used, confirming that it was a common practice at the time. According to Reardon, they were procured from medical supply companies, and there was no intention to disturb or disrespect the remains.

Reardon’s explanation suggests that the use of real skeletons wasn’t an unusual or sinister practice. However, the idea of real human bones being used in a film about angry spirits and haunted houses has left many people unsettled. Fans and critics have long speculated that this detail may have contributed to the infamous “Poltergeist curse.”

The “Poltergeist Curse”: Did the Skeletons Play a Role?

The Poltergeist curse refers to a series of tragic events and untimely deaths associated with the cast and crew of the Poltergeist films. Most notably, two of the film’s young actresses, Dominique Dunne and Heather O’Rourke, died shortly after the release of the films. Dominique Dunne, who played the eldest daughter, Dana, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1982, just months after the movie premiered. Heather O’Rourke, who played Carol Anne, the young girl at the center of the film’s haunting, tragically died of septic shock at the age of 12, just before the release of Poltergeist III.

These events, combined with the rumor of real skeletons being used in the film, fueled speculation that the production was cursed. Many fans believed that using real human remains had angered spirits, leading to the misfortune that plagued those involved with the movie.

Of course, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that the deaths and tragedies were linked to the use of real skeletons or to any supernatural curse. The idea of the Poltergeist curse seems to be more of a combination of coincidence and superstition, with the eerie subject matter of the film amplifying people’s fears.

Ethical Questions: Should Real Skeletons Be Used in Films?

The idea that real human skeletons were used in Poltergeist raises broader ethical questions about the treatment of human remains in the entertainment industry. While it may have been a cost-saving measure, the use of real human bones in a fictional horror film can be seen as disrespectful, particularly when the film deals with themes of death and the afterlife.

Many people feel uncomfortable with the idea of using human remains for entertainment purposes, even if the skeletons were obtained legally from medical supply companies. It’s one thing for human remains to be used for educational or scientific purposes, but using them to enhance the realism of a horror movie blurs the line between art and exploitation.

In the years since Poltergeist was released, filmmakers have largely moved away from using real skeletons in movies. Today, special effects technology allows for the creation of realistic props without the need to use human remains. However, the legacy of Poltergeist serves as a reminder of a time when Hollywood’s approach to special effects was more cavalier, and ethical considerations were sometimes overlooked in favor of practical concerns.

FAQs

1. Did Poltergeist actually use real skeletons?
Yes, according to several people involved in the production, including actress JoBeth Williams and special effects artist Craig Reardon, real skeletons were used in the movie’s famous pool scene.

2. Why did they use real skeletons in Poltergeist?
The decision to use real skeletons was reportedly due to budgetary reasons. At the time, it was cheaper to obtain skeletons from medical supply companies than to create fake ones that looked realistic.

3. Is the Poltergeist curse real?
The idea of a Poltergeist curse is based on a series of tragic events that befell some of the cast members, including the deaths of Dominique Dunne and Heather O’Rourke. While these events were tragic, there’s no evidence to suggest they were caused by anything supernatural.

4. How do people feel about the use of real skeletons in movies today?
Today, most people find the idea of using real human remains in films uncomfortable or unethical. Advances in special effects have made it possible to create realistic skeletons and props without using actual human bones.

5. Are real skeletons still used in movies?
No, the use of real skeletons in films has largely been phased out. Special effects technology has advanced to the point where filmmakers can create convincing skeletons without using real human remains.

Conclusion

The story of Poltergeist and the real skeletons used during its production adds a haunting layer to the film’s already eerie reputation. Whether or not the decision to use real bones was ethically questionable, it has become an inextricable part of the movie’s lore. For many horror fans, it’s these unsettling behind-the-scenes details that make Poltergeist such an enduring classic. Whether you believe in the Poltergeist curse or not, the combination of real-world controversy and onscreen terror has cemented the film’s place in the annals of horror history.

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