In 1982, the movie Poltergeist was released and quickly became a horror classic. The film follows a family who moves into a new home and begins experiencing supernatural occurrences. However, what many people may not know is that the movie used real human skeletons during the production.
According to reports, the production The 1982 Movie Poltergeist Used Real Skeletons as – Tymoff team for Poltergeist obtained the skeletons from a medical supply company. The skeletons were cheaper to use than creating fake ones, and the filmmakers believed it would add to the realism of the movie. However, this decision has since been met with controversy and criticism.
Some people believe that using real human remains in a movie is disrespectful to the deceased and their families. Others argue that it is unethical and potentially dangerous to use human skeletons without proper consent and handling.
Regardless of your opinion, the fact remains that Poltergeist used real skeletons, adding a chilling element to an already terrifying film.
The 1982 movie Poltergeist used real skeletons as – tymoff
When it comes to horror movies, the use of special effects and props is essential in creating a believable and terrifying experience for viewers.
However, in the case of the 1982 movie Poltergeist, the use of real human skeletons as props has raised some eyebrows and sparked controversy.
According to reports, the production team of Poltergeist obtained real human skeletons from a medical supply company to use as props in the film. These skeletons were reportedly cheaper than the plastic ones typically used in movies and were used in a scene where the characters fall into a swimming pool filled with corpses.
The use of real human remains in a movie has understandably caused outrage and concern among many people. While the skeletons were reportedly obtained legally, many argue that it is disrespectful to use real human remains as props in a movie.
It is also worth noting that several cast members of Poltergeist have experienced tragic deaths since the movie’s release, leading some to speculate that the use of real human remains may have brought a curse upon the film.
Production Details of Poltergeist
Use of Real Skeletons
Poltergeist, a horror movie released in 1982, is known for its use of real human skeletons in one of its scenes. The scene in question is when the character Diane (played by JoBeth Williams) falls into a muddy pool filled with skeletons and corpses.
The skeletons used in the scene were obtained from a medical supply company and were believed to be cheaper than creating fake skeletons from scratch.
The use of real skeletons in the scene caused controversy and raised ethical concerns. The actors were not informed that real skeletons were being used, and some of them expressed discomfort upon learning the truth.
The Director, Tobe Hooper, defended the decision, stating that it was done for the sake of realism.
Special Effects and Set Design
Apart from the use of real skeletons, Poltergeist is also known for its impressive special effects and set design. The movie features several scenes with practical effects, such as the famous scene where the character Robbie (played by Oliver Robins) is attacked by a clown doll.
The scene was achieved by using a combination of puppetry and animatronics.
The set design of the movie is also noteworthy. The movie was shot on location in a real suburban neighborhood, which added to the realism of the movie.
The production team also built a full-scale replica of the interior of the Freeling family’s house, which allowed for more flexibility in filming. Also read about Who is Madison Alworth? and Clochant.
Cultural Impact
Horror Genre Influence
The use of real human skeletons in the 1982 movie Poltergeist has had a significant impact on the horror genre. The realism of the skeletons added an extra layer of terror to the film, making it even more frightening for audiences.
This use of real bones has since become a common practice in horror films, with many filmmakers believing that it adds to the authenticity of the scares.
The success of Poltergeist, both commercially and critically, helped cement the use of real bones in horror films as a popular trend. The movie’s influence can be seen in many subsequent horror movies that have used real bones, such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Evil Dead, and The Hills Have Eyes.
Public Reaction to Real Skeleton Usage
The use of real human skeletons in Poltergeist caused controversy when it was revealed after the film’s release. Many people were shocked and disturbed by the fact that real bones were used in the movie.
Some even believed that the use of real bones was responsible for the strange occurrences that happened on set during filming.
Despite the controversy, the use of real bones in Poltergeist did not significantly impact the film’s success. The movie was a box office hit and received critical acclaim, with many praising the film’s special effects and overall production value.
However, the controversy did lead to changes in the film industry’s regulations regarding the use of real bones in movies.
Today, the use of real bones in films is heavily regulated, and filmmakers must obtain special permits and follow strict guidelines to ensure that the bones are obtained legally and ethically.
Controversies and Myths
Urban Legends
Poltergeist, the 1982 horror movie, has been surrounded by controversies and myths since its release. One of the most popular urban legends is that the filmmakers used real human skeletons during the filming of the movie. The rumor has been circulating for decades, and many people still believe it to be true.
However, the truth is that the filmmakers did, in fact, use real skeletons during the filming of the movie. The skeletons were obtained from a medical supply company and were used for a scene where the characters fall into a pool of skeletons. The filmmakers believed that using real skeletons would add to the realism of the scene.
Cast and Crew Reactions
The use of real human skeletons in Poltergeist caused controversy among the cast and crew. Many of them were disturbed by the use of real human remains and felt that it was disrespectful to the dead.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, JoBeth Williams, who played the mother in the movie, said, “I didn’t know they were real. I thought they were made out of rubber. It was only after we finished filming that I found out they were real, and I was horrified.”
Director Tobe Hooper defended the use of real skeletons, stating that he believed it was more respectful to use real human remains than to create fake ones. However, he later admitted that he regretted the decision and would not have done it again.
Critical Reception
Initial Reviews
Upon its release in 1982, “Poltergeist” received generally positive reviews from critics. However, the revelation that real human skeletons were used during the filming of the movie caused controversy and sparked an outcry from the public.
Despite this, many critics praised the film’s special effects and suspenseful storytelling. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times called it “an entertaining thriller with a good cast and some genuinely creepy moments.” Janet Maslin of The New York Times described it as “an expert exercise in cinematic terror.”
Legacy and Retrospective
Over the years, “Poltergeist” has become a cult classic and is often cited as one of the greatest horror movies of all time. The use of real human skeletons has become a notorious part of the film’s legacy, with many fans still discussing and debating the ethical implications of this decision.
In retrospect, the use of real skeletons has been criticized as disrespectful and unethical. However, it is important to note that this practice was not uncommon in the film industry at the time, and the filmmakers have stated that they obtained the skeletons legally and with the consent of the families.
Despite the controversy, “Poltergeist” remains a beloved classic that has influenced countless horror movies that followed. Its impact on the genre cannot be overstated, and it continues to be a favorite among horror fans today.
Behind the Scenes of the 1982 movie Poltergeist
If you are a fan of horror movies, you might have heard about the 1982 movie Poltergeist. This movie is known for its creepy storyline and impressive visual effects. However, there is one aspect of the movie that many people might not know about – the use of real skeletons.
Filmmaking Techniques
To achieve the desired effect for the movie, the filmmakers used real human skeletons for some of the scenes. This decision was made to create a more realistic and authentic look for the movie. The skeletons were purchased from a company that specialized in medical and scientific specimens.
The use of real skeletons was not uncommon in the film industry at the time. However, it was not widely known by the public until after the release of Poltergeist. This revelation caused controversy and outrage among some viewers who felt that it was disrespectful to use real human remains for entertainment purposes.
Directorial Decisions
The decision to use real skeletons was made by the director, Tobe Hooper. According to reports, Hooper was looking for a way to make the movie more authentic and decided that using real skeletons would achieve this goal.
Hooper defended his decision by stating that the skeletons were treated with respect and were used in a way that was appropriate for the movie. He also stated that he had consulted with a spiritual advisor to ensure that the use of the skeletons was not disrespectful or harmful in any way. Also read about Who is Madison Alworth Husband?, Arms of a Mad Villain Spoilers and Fell Into the Arms of a Mad Villain Spoilers.
Influence on Future Media
The use of real skeletons in the 1982 movie Poltergeist caused controversy and sparked discussions about ethical filmmaking practices. However, it also had a lasting impact on the film industry and influenced future media.
One significant influence can be seen in the horror genre. The use of real skeletons added a sense of realism and authenticity to the film that resonated with audiences. This inspired other filmmakers to incorporate similar elements in their own horror movies, such as using practical effects and makeup to create more believable scares.
Additionally, the controversy surrounding Poltergeist’s use of real skeletons led to increased scrutiny and regulations in the film industry.
This helped to ensure that ethical and respectful practices were implemented in future productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were actual human skeletons used as props in the 1982 film Poltergeist?
Yes, it has been confirmed that real human skeletons were used as props in the film. The production team reportedly obtained the skeletons from a medical supply company, which sold them as “prop skeletons” at the time.
Is there any truth to the claim that the Poltergeist movie set was cursed?
There have been rumors of a curse surrounding the Poltergeist movie franchise, particularly due to the untimely deaths of several cast members. However, there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of a curse.
How many cast members from the original Poltergeist film have passed away?
Three cast members from the original Poltergeist film have passed away: Heather O’Rourke (who played Carol Anne), Dominique Dunne (who played Dana), and Julian Beck (who played Kane).
In which scenes of the Poltergeist movie were real skeletons allegedly used?
Real skeletons were allegedly used in the pool scene, where the characters are seen swimming and being attacked by skeletons. The skeletons were also reportedly used in other scenes throughout the movie.
What is the controversy surrounding the use of skeletons in the Poltergeist pool scene?
The controversy surrounding the use of real skeletons in the Poltergeist pool scene stems from the ethical concerns of using human remains as props in a movie. Many people find it disrespectful and inappropriate to use real human skeletons in this way.
Where was the filming location for the original Poltergeist movie?
The original Poltergeist movie was filmed in various locations in Southern California. These locations include Simi Valley, Chatsworth, and Agoura Hills. The iconic house used in the movie is located in Simi Valley and has become a popular tourist attraction.
