The 1982 Movie Poltergeist Used Real Skeletons As – Tymoff

The Use of Real Skeletons in the Making of Poltergeist (1982)

The eerie and paranormal aspects of Tobe Hooper’s 1982 horror film Poltergeist, which Steven Spielberg produced, are well-known. Nevertheless, the utilisation of actual human skeletons as props was one of the most unsettling aspects of the movie’s creation.

The 1982 movie “Poltergeist” used real skeletons as props during the filming of the infamous pool scene. This fact has become a significant part of the movie’s lore and has contributed to its reputation as one of the most haunted movie productions in Hollywood history.

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Actress JoBeth Williams’ Shocking Discovery

In the movie, skeletons surround Diane Freeling, played by actress JoBeth Williams, as she is dragged into the family’s swimming pool. Williams eventually learned the skeletons were actual human skeletons, despite his original belief that they were constructed of rubber or plastic.

The swimming pool scene took several days to shoot, as Williams stated in interviews, and she did not find out the real purpose of the skeletons until after the filming was over. She said:

“I would have to enter this enormous tank filled with what I initially believed to be dirt with these skeletons—which, incidentally, I later discovered were actual skeletons. It truly was a nightmare.”

Williams went on to say that since using real bones was a more economical option than making lifelike artificial skeletons, the entire crew was oblivious to their use.

The Acquisition of the Real Skeletons

In depositions taken as part of a lawsuit against Spielberg, special effects makeup artist Craig Reardon stated that the production team obtained 13 genuine human skeletons to use in the movie, most likely from India.

Reardon clarified that rather than being professional or clinical-looking, the skeletons were dressed and altered to be more “disintegrating” and “spooky.”

 The Haunting Aftermath

It is said that the Poltergeist set’s usage of actual skeletons contributed to an uncomfortable mood that persisted throughout the making of Poltergeist II: The Other Side, the movie’s sequel. Actress JoBeth Williams claimed that in an attempt to dispel the eerie aura, co-star Will Sampson, a Muscogee (Creek) Nation member, conducted a “exorcism” on the set.

The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist has gained recognition and is an often discussed component of the film’s production history, despite the controversy and possible ethical issues. This has contributed to the film’s lasting status as a horror classic.

Reardon clarified that rather than being professional or clinical-looking, the skeletons were dressed and altered to be more “disintegrating” and “spooky.”

Did the budget or time line for shooting change as a result of using real skeletons?

Based on the information that is currently available, the usage of real bones in Poltergeist did not significantly affect the budget or schedule of filming:

1. The skeletons were purchased from a supplier of medical equipment for use in medical education. At the time, making realistic prop skeletons was more expensive than using actual skeletons.
2. According to special effects makeup artist Craig Reardon, they dressed up 13 real human skeletons to resemble decaying corpses in order to give them a more spooky appearance. This implies that the skeletons’ modification procedure was not unduly time-consuming.
3. The skeletons in the swimming pool scene took many days to film, however this was probably more because of the intricate underwater photography than the skeletons themselves. Actress JoBeth Williams made this comment.
4. There are no indications that the use of genuine skeletons throughout production resulted in significant delays or cost overruns. In 1982, the movie was finished and released on time.

The Reason Behind Using Real Skeletons

Real human skeletons were utilised as props in multiple moments of the 1982 horror film Poltergeist, most famously when JoBeth Williams’ character Diane Freeling is surrounded by skeletons in the swimming pool. actual skeletons were employed since, at the time, making lifelike prop skeletons was more expensive than using actual ones.

In a deposition given as part of a lawsuit against producer Steven Spielberg, special effects makeup artist Craig Reardon disclosed that the film’s production team obtained thirteen actual human skeletons, most likely from India. Instead of dressing the skeletons like clinical props, they made them appear like crumbling cadavers.

After filming was over, actress JoBeth Williams found out the skeletons were genuine. She said it took many days to film the scene in the swimming pool, and she was surprised to learn afterward that the skeletons were real human remains rather than sets. It is said that the eerie mood created by using genuine skeletons persisted throughout the production of Poltergeist II.

Budgetary restrictions at the time led to the practical choice to employ real skeletons in Poltergeist, notwithstanding the distress this caused the crew and cast after the truth was discovered. It became a notorious aspect of the movie’s production history due to the horrifying outcomes.

What Happen In Poltergeist 1982 Film?

Here’s a quick rundown of the main points in the 1982 movie Poltergeist:

The Freeling family, consisting of Steve, Diane, their teenage daughter Dana, their baby son Robbie, and their 5-year-old daughter Carol Anne, starts to encounter unusual happenings in their suburban California house. The TV emits white noise that allows Carol Anne to converse with the ghosts, and the furniture moves on its own.

As the paranormal activity intensifies, Robbie is attacked by a tree, and Carol Anne is kidnapped by ghosts who drag her through a hole in her closet. Dr. Marsha Lesh and her team of parapsychologists are called in by the Freelings to conduct an investigation.

It is revealed that the mansion was constructed on top of an incorrectly moved graveyard and that “the Beast,” a formidable demonic force, is in charge of the ghosts. Following a thrilling struggle, Carol Anne is saved by the family, but as they run, the house is forcibly transported into an other reality.

Steve pushes the TV outside as the family checks into a motel, determined not to tempt fate once more. After their terrifying supernatural encounter, the Freelings’ destiny is left uncertain as the movie comes to a close.

Urban legends and Audience Reactions

Over the years, many urban legends and rumours have been created around the 1982 supernatural horror film Poltergeist, mostly because of the premature deaths of several cast members and the use of actual human skeletons as props during the filming process.

Audience Reactions

When Poltergeist first came out, both reviewers and viewers commended it for its skill at balancing humour and heart with shocks. Many commended the movie for its skill in tricking spectators into thinking they are safe before letting go with its scariest scenes.

At the box office, the movie brought in over $76 million, making it the highest-grossing horror movie of 1982. Its strong scares startled several parents, but its PG rating (it was originally rated R) made it accessible to a larger audience.

Main Cast in Poltergeist (1982)

Craig T. Nelson as Steven Freeling

Craig T. Nelson’s most well-known performance was in the film Poltergeist as Steven Freeling’s father. He then starred in a number of other well-known motion pictures and television series, such as Parenthood, Coach, and The Osterman Weekend.

JoBeth Williams as Diane Freeling

The mother of the Poltergeist family, Diane Freeling, was portrayed by JoBeth Williams. She later disclosed that she was not aware, while filming, that the team had utilised actual human skeletons as props in the well-known swimming pool scene.

Beatrice Straight as Dr. Marsha Lesh

In the film Poltergeist, Beatrice Straight portrayed Dr. Marsha Lesh, a parapsychologist. She was a skilled theatrical performer who took home the 1953 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role in The Crucible.

Dominique Dunne as Dana Freeling

Dana Freeling, the adolescent daughter of the Poltergeist household, was portrayed by Dominique Dunne. Sadly, she was killed by her ex-boyfriend not long after the movie’s premiere when she was just 22 years old.

Oliver Robins as Robbie Freeling

The little son of the Poltergeist family, Robbie Freeling, was portrayed by Oliver Robins. He went on to perform in a number of additional films and television series, such as Aeroplane II: The Sequel and The Twilight Zone.

Heather O’Rourke as Carol Anne Freeling

In the role of Carol Anne Freeling, the youngest member of the family kidnapped by the poltergeists, Heather O’Rourke excelled. Before dying at the age of 12 from an incorrectly diagnosed case of intestinal stenosis, she played the same part in the two sequels.

Supporting Cast

Zelda Rubinstein as Tangina Barrons

Tangina Barrons, the psychic medium who assists the Freeling family, was portrayed by Zelda Rubinstein. Known for her vivacious demeanour, she continued to feature in the Poltergeist films until her untimely death in 2010 at the age of 76.

Lou Perryman as Pugsley

In Poltergeist, Lou Perryman played Pugsley, a construction worker, in a minor role. He carried on performing until 2003, when he unfortunately died at the age of 64 in his home.

Dirk Blocker as Jeff Shaw

For a brief while, Dirk Blocker played neighbour Jeff Shaw, who came to watch the football game. His most well-known performance was in the television series Brooklyn Nine-Nine as Detective Michael Hitchcock.

What are the primary distinctions between the casts of Poltergeist (1982) and (2015)?

The main differences in the cast between the 1982 and 2015 versions of Poltergeist are:

• Key parts played by Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Beatrice Straight, and Zelda Rubinstein were among the most seasoned and critically regarded cast members of the 1982 movie. Less well-known actresses, including Kennedi Clements, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Sam Rockwell, played key roles in the 2015 adaptation.
• Because of their stronger chemistry and more cohesive group, the original cast made it simpler for viewers to think of them as a true family. Despite their talent, the 2015 cast lacked the same chemistry.
• In the 1982 movie, Heather O’Rourke gave a legendary performance as Carol Anne Freeling. Kennedi Clements played this part in the remake, however her influence was lessened.
• One of the original’s most notable performances was Zelda Rubinstein’s portrayal of the psychic medium Tangina Barrons. There was no corresponding character in the 2015 version.
• The 2015 remake had a smaller supporting cast than the 1982 original, which included more notable supporting characters like the paranormal investigators.

Even though the 2015 cast was excellent, the 1982 original featured a more seasoned, well-received group with stronger chemistry and more endearing supporting roles, all of which contributed to the film’s status as a classic. With its cast, the remake failed to quite capture the same charm.

Comparisons with Other Movies Using Real Skeletons

Since Poltergeist’s use of actual human skeletons was startling, it was not wholly unheard of in the horror film genre:

Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

Two years before to Poltergeist, the contentious Italian film Cannibal Holocaust had multiple sequences featuring actual human skeletons and bones. For one particularly startling moment, the company even went so far as to procure actual human foetuses. As a result, charges of obscenity led to the director’s arrest.

Apocalypse Now (1979)

The authorities intervened and found out the supplier was a grave thief, preventing the use of actual corpses during filming of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic Vietnam War film Apocalypse Now, as reported in the Collider article. There were other controversies surrounding the production as well.

The Shining (1980)

While actual skeletons were not utilised in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining adaptation, real human hair was used in the wig of the spectral Grady twins, according to set decorator Jan Harlan. To get a more genuine look, this was done.

Even yet, it was disturbing that real human remains were used in Poltergeist, especially since lead actress JoBeth Williams did not know about it until after production. It was additionally unsettling that the skeletons were purchased from a medical supply company and were disguised to appear more eerie.

Therefore, even though Poltergeist was not the only horror film to incorporate actual human remains, the information that came to light during its creation contributed to the picture’s unpleasant reputation as a “cursed” production. An attempt to cut costs by using genuine skeletons backfired on both the cast’s comfort level and the movie’s reputation.

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In conclusion, Poltergeist’s production schedule and budget were not greatly affected by the practical difficulties involved in obtaining and using real skeletons, despite the fact that their use produced an uncomfortable environment on set. The goal was to produce a scarier and more genuine effect at a lesser expense.