The 1982 movie Poltergeist is widely recognized as a classic in the horror genre, known for its terrifying plot and spine-chilling atmosphere. However, one of the most shocking revelations about the film is the use of real human skeletons in some of its scenes, a decision that continues to captivate audiences and fuel debates to this day. This eerie fact has not only added to the movie’s notorious legacy but has also raised ethical questions regarding the use of human remains in entertainment.
The decision to use real skeletons instead of plastic replicas reportedly stemmed from budgetary constraints, but it has left a lasting impression on both the film’s cast and its audience. Actress JoBeth Williams, who starred in Poltergeist, later revealed that she was unaware of the use of real skeletons during the infamous pool scene, adding an extra layer of horror to the already terrifying production. Over the years, this fact has become a point of discussion for moviegoers and fans, turning Poltergeist into not just a film, but a legend steeped in eerie details.
Let’s delve deeper into the making of Poltergeist, the use of real skeletons, and how this fact has shaped its legacy.
The Ethical Dilemma: Using Real Skeletons In Hollywood
The use of real skeletons in Hollywood films, particularly in the 1982 movie Poltergeist, has long been a subject of ethical debate. While the decision to use human remains was initially seen as a practical, cost-saving measure, it has raised significant moral questions about the treatment of human bodies in the entertainment industry.
At the time, it was not uncommon for filmmakers to use real skeletons in movies. In fact, they were often sourced from medical suppliers and used in educational settings, making them a cheaper alternative to creating lifelike replicas. For Poltergeist, the production team opted for real skeletons in key scenes, such as the infamous pool sequence, to enhance the realism of the film. However, this decision would later spark controversy when the public and some of the cast learned the truth.
The central ethical concern revolves around the question of consent. Did the individuals whose remains were used in the film give permission for their skeletons to be used in this way? Most likely not. In the 1980s, there were fewer regulations concerning the use of human remains, and the concept of ethical sourcing was not as rigorously enforced as it is today. The idea that human bodies could be treated as mere props in the name of art or entertainment is deeply troubling for many, raising concerns about dignity and respect for the dead.
Moreover, the decision to use real skeletons in Poltergeist has been linked to rumors of a “curse” surrounding the film. Several cast members and people involved with the production experienced tragic or untimely deaths after the movie’s release, further adding to the notion that using human remains for entertainment purposes might have consequences beyond the ethical.
In light of these concerns, the use of real human skeletons in Hollywood poses a broader ethical dilemma. Is it ever appropriate to use human remains, even for the sake of realism, in a film? While advancements in technology have since made it easier and more affordable to create convincing replicas, the moral questions raised by Poltergeist’s production linger. Today, filmmakers are more aware of the need to balance creative goals with ethical responsibilities, ensuring that such practices are not repeated without thoughtful consideration of their impact on both the living and the dead.
Impact Of The Skeleton Controversy On The Movie’s Legacy
The use of real skeletons in the 1982 film Poltergeist has become a defining factor in the movie’s lasting reputation. Over the years, this eerie behind-the-scenes detail has not only contributed to the film’s mystique but has also shaped its legacy in various ways. Below are the key impacts of the skeleton controversy on Poltergeist’s enduring legacy:
Heightened Public Interest
The revelation that real human skeletons were used in the film sparked widespread public curiosity. As more people became aware of this chilling fact, interest in Poltergeist grew. This unusual production choice made the movie more than just a typical horror film—it became a topic of conversation that transcended the screen and entered pop culture lore.
Contributed to the “Poltergeist Curse” Myth
The use of real skeletons fueled rumors of a curse surrounding the Poltergeist franchise. Several cast members experienced tragic deaths or accidents following the release of the movie. Heather O’Rourke, who played the young Carol Anne, passed away unexpectedly, and Dominique Dunne, who portrayed her older sister, was murdered shortly after the movie’s release. Fans and media have speculated that the use of human remains contributed to these tragedies, enhancing the curse myth and giving the film a supernatural aura that continues to intrigue audiences.
Ethical Debates
The skeleton controversy has sparked ongoing debates about the ethics of using human remains in entertainment. Many people have criticized the filmmakers for disrespecting the dead by using real skeletons without consent. This discussion has prompted the film industry to reconsider its practices, ensuring that future productions adhere to higher ethical standards when it comes to sourcing materials or props that involve human remains.
Pop Culture Icon Status
Poltergeist has cemented its place as a pop culture icon, in part due to this morbid detail. The movie’s legacy isn’t just based on its storyline or its performances, but also on the skeleton controversy. This behind-the-scenes story has been retold across media platforms, making Poltergeist a cultural reference point for discussions about both horror movies and Hollywood’s use of human remains.
Lasting Fan Fascination
The combination of the film’s eerie atmosphere and the real-life use of skeletons has kept audiences intrigued for decades. New generations of fans continue to discover the story behind Poltergeist, ensuring its legacy endures as one of Hollywood’s most haunting and controversial productions.
Behind The Scenes: How The Real Skeletons Were Acquired
The decision to use real skeletons in the 1982 movie Poltergeist was a haunting choice that has left a lasting mark on Hollywood. Here’s a closer look at how these skeletons were acquired and why the filmmakers opted for real human remains instead of artificial props:
- Budget Constraints: The primary reason for using real skeletons was cost. In the early 1980s, creating realistic-looking plastic skeletons was both expensive and time-consuming. Real skeletons, on the other hand, were readily available and cheaper. From a budgetary perspective, using real skeletons allowed the filmmakers to save money while maintaining the film’s eerie, realistic atmosphere.
- Medical Supply Companies: The real skeletons used in Poltergeist were sourced from medical supply companies. During this time, it was common for skeletons to be sold for medical research, educational purposes, and even artistic endeavors. These skeletons were often obtained from regions where human remains were available for such purposes, particularly in developing countries. The skeletons used in the film were likely acquired in bulk and intended originally for medical and scientific use.
- Lack of Industry Standards: In the 1980s, there were fewer regulations and ethical standards concerning the use of human remains in film production. Filmmakers faced little scrutiny when sourcing real skeletons, and it was considered acceptable within the industry. Unlike today, where there is a greater emphasis on ethical considerations, the use of human skeletons for prop purposes was not uncommon during that era.
- The Cast Was Unaware: Many of the actors, including JoBeth Williams, who famously starred in the pool scene surrounded by skeletons, were unaware they were working with real human remains. This fact only came to light after the film was completed, shocking both the cast and the public. Williams later expressed her discomfort upon learning that the skeletons she worked with were real, adding an extra layer of horror to her experience on set.
- The Ethical Questions Raised: The revelation that real skeletons were used sparked ethical debates in Hollywood. While the practice may have been cheaper, it raised questions about the treatment of human remains. Many argued that using human bones for entertainment purposes without proper consent was deeply disrespectful and troubling. This discussion contributed to changes in industry practices in later years.
The acquisition and use of real skeletons in Poltergeist remains a controversial topic, casting a shadow over the film’s production and leaving a chilling legacy in its wake.
The Wrapping Up
The decision to use real human skeletons in Poltergeist has solidified the movie’s place in horror history. What was initially a cost-cutting decision has since become a major part of the film’s lore, contributing to its reputation as one of the most unsettling productions in Hollywood history. The ethical implications of using real human remains have sparked debates about the morality of such practices, even decades after the film’s release. Regardless, the controversy has kept Poltergeist in the public eye, ensuring its legacy as a horror classic with a chilling behind-the-scenes story.
FAQ
Where did the real skeletons come from?
The skeletons were reportedly sourced from medical supply companies that provided human remains for educational and entertainment purposes.
Is there a curse associated with the Poltergeist movies?
Many believe there is a curse due to the tragic deaths and misfortunes that befell several cast members. However, others argue that these events are coincidental.
Did the use of real skeletons violate any laws?
At the time of filming, there were no specific laws prohibiting the use of real human remains in movies, although the ethics of the practice remain controversial.
