the 1982 movie poltergeist used real skeletons as – tymoff remains one of the most iconic horror films in cinematic history, but its legacy is marked not just by its frightening storyline but also by a disturbing behind-the-scenes fact: the production used real human skeletons. This eerie revelation has sparked controversy, fueled urban legends, and contributed to the ongoing fascination with the so-called “Poltergeist curse.” In this article, we will explore why real skeletons were used in the movie, the reactions of the cast, and how this decision continues to impact the legacy of Poltergeist.
Real Skeletons on the Set of Poltergeist
In one of the most famous scenes of Poltergeist, actress JoBeth Williams, who played Diane Freeling, finds herself struggling in a pool of muddy water, surrounded by skeletal remains. Audiences assumed these were Hollywood props, but in a shocking twist, it was revealed years later that the skeletons were real human remains. This decision to use actual bones was driven by practical reasons, primarily the cost. At the time, creating realistic-looking synthetic skeletons was significantly more expensive than purchasing real ones from medical suppliers.
The skeletons were typically sourced from institutions that supplied medical schools, where human remains were used for educational purposes. As unsettling as this might sound, using real skeletons was a common practice in Hollywood in earlier decades, long before advancements in special effects and CGI made synthetic props more affordable.
Why Use Real Skeletons in Poltergeist?
The decision to use real skeletons in Poltergeist was not taken lightly, but it was primarily motivated by budget concerns. At the time, fake skeletons made from plastic or other materials were expensive and often looked unconvincing on screen. To achieve a greater level of realism in the terrifying pool scene, the filmmakers opted to use real bones instead.
This choice also aligned with the filmmakers’ goal of maximizing the movie’s impact. Director Tobe Hooper and producer Steven Spielberg wanted to create an authentic and terrifying atmosphere, and the use of real skeletons added a level of unsettling realism that would be difficult to replicate with artificial props.
The Cast’s Reaction to Real Skeletons
The revelation that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist shocked not only the audience but also the cast. JoBeth Williams, who performed in the now-famous pool scene, later admitted that she had no idea the skeletons were real during filming. When she found out the truth, she expressed discomfort, stating that had she known, she might have refused to shoot the scene.
Other cast members had varied reactions. Craig T. Nelson, who played Steve Freeling, did not have any direct interactions with the skeletons but acknowledged the controversy in later interviews. Zelda Rubinstein, who portrayed the psychic Tangina, believed in the supernatural and was reportedly disturbed by the use of real human remains, attributing it to the strange occurrences on set.
The Poltergeist Curse: A Legacy of Fear
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist has contributed to one of Hollywood’s most enduring urban legends—the “Poltergeist curse.” This curse is believed to have plagued the cast and crew of the film, leading to a string of tragic events. The most notable tragedies include the murder of actress Dominique Dunne, who played Dana Freeling, and the untimely death of Heather O’Rourke, who portrayed Carol Anne.
Dunne was murdered by her ex-boyfriend shortly after the movie’s release, and O’Rourke died at the age of 12 due to complications from a medical condition. These back-to-back deaths have been linked to the curse, with some believing that the use of real skeletons disturbed the spirits of the deceased, bringing misfortune to those involved in the film.
In addition to the tragic deaths, numerous on-set accidents and strange occurrences have been reported by the cast and crew. Actor Oliver Robins, who played Robbie Freeling, nearly died during a scene in which a mechanical clown malfunctioned, choking him. Zelda Rubinstein claimed to have experienced paranormal events during filming, further fueling the belief in the curse.
Ethical Questions and Hollywood Practices
The decision to use real skeletons in Poltergeist has raised ethical questions that continue to be debated. Should filmmakers prioritize realism at the cost of respect for the dead? At the time, it was considered an acceptable practice, but looking back, many—including Spielberg himself—have expressed regret. Today, Hollywood largely avoids using real human remains, with advances in technology offering more ethical alternatives.
The use of real skeletons also reflects a time in Hollywood history when practical effects were often prioritized over CGI or other special effects. Without the technology available today, filmmakers relied on practical methods to achieve the desired level of realism, even if it meant using real human remains. While it added to the horror of the movie, it also perpetuated a sense of unease among the cast and crew.
The Lasting Legacy of Poltergeist
The 1982 movie Poltergeist continues to captivate audiences, not just because of its terrifying plot but also because of the stories surrounding its production. The revelation that real skeletons were used adds an unsettling layer to the film’s legacy, making it a subject of fascination for horror fans and film historians alike.
Today, Poltergeist is remembered as much for its behind-the-scenes secrets as for its on-screen scares. The use of real skeletons has become one of Hollywood’s most infamous stories, forever linking the film with both horror and controversy. As audiences revisit this classic, the knowledge of the real skeletons adds a new dimension of fear, reminding us that sometimes the scariest things in movies aren’t just fiction.
Conclusion
The use of real skeletons in the 1982 movie Poltergeist remains one of the most chilling facts in Hollywood history. While it added a level of realism to the film, it also sparked controversy, discomfort among the cast, and fueled the belief in the “Poltergeist curse.” As time has passed, the film’s legacy has only grown, with fans and critics alike continuing to discuss the ethical implications of using real human remains in movie production.
Ultimately, Poltergeist stands as both a cinematic masterpiece and a haunting reminder of Hollywood’s past practices, where realism sometimes came at a macabre cost.
