The 1982 horror classic Poltergeist, directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, has become a cornerstone of supernatural cinema. Its chilling storyline, groundbreaking special effects, and eerie atmosphere have captivated audiences for decades. However, the film’s legacy extends beyond its on-screen terror, as rumors and urban legends have surrounded the production, particularly the unsettling claim that real human skeletons were used during the filming. This startling revelation has contributed to the movie’s reputation as one of the most cursed productions in Hollywood history.
The Urban Legend: Real Skeletons on Set
One of the most enduring and macabre rumors associated with Poltergeist is that the production team used actual human skeletons in certain scenes. This claim centers around the infamous pool scene, where actress JoBeth Williams, who played the character Diane Freeling, is pulled into a muddy, waterlogged hole in the ground, surrounded by skeletons. According to the legend, these skeletons were not props but real human remains.
This rumor has been confirmed by special effects artist Craig Reardon, who worked on the film. Reardon admitted that real skeletons were indeed used because they were cheaper and more accessible than creating or acquiring realistic plastic models at the time. In a 2002 interview, Reardon explained that the skeletons were purchased from a medical supply company, a common practice in Hollywood for many years. The use of real skeletons was not intended to be disrespectful but rather a practical decision based on the needs of the production.
Why Use Real Skeletons?
To understand why real skeletons were used in Poltergeist, it’s important to consider the context of the film industry in the early 1980s. At that time, creating lifelike skeletons from scratch was an expensive and labor-intensive process. Real human skeletons, on the other hand, were readily available from medical supply companies, often used for educational and scientific purposes. These skeletons were often imported from countries where the remains were unclaimed or donated for medical research.
The decision to use real skeletons was driven by the desire for authenticity. The filmmakers wanted the skeletons to look as realistic as possible, and real bones provided a level of detail that artificial props could not easily replicate. However, this choice has led to significant controversy and has fueled the belief that the film’s production was cursed.
The Curse of Poltergeist
The legend of real skeletons on set has only added to the belief that the Poltergeist films were cursed. The original Poltergeist (1982) and its sequels are infamous for the tragic fates that befell several members of the cast. The most well-known of these tragedies is the death of Heather O’Rourke, who played the young girl Carol Anne Freeling. O’Rourke died at the age of 12 due to complications from a medical condition, just months before the release of Poltergeist III in 1988.
Another tragic incident involved Dominique Dunne, who played the older sister, Dana Freeling, in the original film. Dunne was strangled by her ex-boyfriend and died shortly after the film’s release. The deaths of O’Rourke and Dunne, along with other incidents and accidents that occurred during the production of the Poltergeist series, have led many to believe that the films were cursed, and the use of real skeletons has been cited as a possible cause.
The Ethics of Using Real Human Remains
The revelation that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist has raised ethical questions about the treatment of human remains in the entertainment industry. While the practice of using real skeletons was not uncommon in Hollywood at the time, it is now viewed with a more critical eye. The use of human remains, even for artistic purposes, requires a level of respect and consideration that may not have been fully acknowledged during the production of Poltergeist.
In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on ethical considerations in film and television production. The use of real human remains is now highly regulated, and many filmmakers opt for realistic props or digital effects to achieve the desired level of authenticity. The controversy surrounding Poltergeist has contributed to a broader conversation about the responsibility of filmmakers to treat human remains with dignity and respect.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist has become a significant part of the film’s legacy, contributing to its status as one of the most iconic and talked-about horror movies of all time. The film’s blend of supernatural horror and real-life tragedy has given it an enduring place in popular culture, with the skeleton story often cited as an example of the lengths filmmakers will go to create a convincing horror experience.
The impact of Poltergeist extends beyond the screen, influencing how audiences perceive the relationship between reality and fiction in horror movies. The idea that a beloved film could involve such a macabre detail has fascinated and horrified fans for decades. It also serves as a reminder of the fine line between entertainment and exploitation, particularly when it comes to the use of real human remains.
Conclusion
The truth behind the use of real skeletons in Poltergeist is both startling and unsettling. While the decision to use actual human remains was made for practical reasons, it has contributed to the film’s reputation as one of the most haunted and cursed productions in Hollywood history. The ethical implications of this choice continue to resonate, raising questions about the treatment of human remains in the entertainment industry.
Despite the controversy, Poltergeist remains a landmark in horror cinema, its legacy forever intertwined with the eerie and macabre details of its production. The film’s ability to blur the lines between reality and fiction has ensured its place in the annals of horror, with the story of real skeletons serving as a chilling footnote in the history of filmmaking.
