The 1982 Movie Poltergeist Used Real Skeletons: Myth or Reality?

The 1982 movie Poltergeist, directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, is a horror classic known for its chilling special effects and eerie storyline. But what has fascinated fans for decades isn’t just the paranormal elements of the plot—it’s a real-life mystery behind the production: Did the movie actually use real skeletons during the filming of certain scenes?

This topic has sparked numerous discussions, with many believing that real human skeletons were used on set. In this article, we will explore the origins of this unsettling claim, whether there’s truth to it, and why filmmakers might have taken such an unusual step.

The Famous Scene in Question

The scene that gave rise to the rumor occurs toward the end of the film, when Diane Freeling, played by JoBeth Williams, falls into a muddy swimming pool that’s being constructed in their backyard. In the water, she encounters skeletons that rise up around her—a truly terrifying moment.

According to Williams herself, the skeletons used in the scene were not just plastic props but real human skeletons. She revealed this in interviews, shocking audiences and fueling a myth that persists to this day.

Why Use Real Skeletons?

The idea that a film production would use real skeletons may sound far-fetched, but during the 1980s, using human skeletons for film props wasn’t unheard of. At the time, real skeletons were often cheaper and easier to acquire than creating high-quality replicas. Medical supply companies sold human skeletons for educational purposes and film productions, and they were considered more lifelike for cinematic effects.

In interviews, JoBeth Williams claimed that she was unaware of this until after filming the scene. It’s been suggested that the decision to use real skeletons was made due to budget constraints and for the sake of authenticity.

Confirmation from Crew Members

Adding fuel to the fire, Craig Reardon, a special effects artist who worked on Poltergeist, confirmed in a 2002 documentary that real skeletons were indeed used. He explained that skeletons were often used in movie productions at the time because they were affordable and more realistic compared to fabricated models.

Reardon’s confirmation has turned this creepy behind-the-scenes story into something more tangible. While some viewers might dismiss it as an urban legend, these statements from cast and crew indicate that the practice of using real human remains in films was not just a rumor.

The Controversial Legacy

The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist raises questions about ethics and respect for the dead. Even though these skeletons were purchased legally from medical supply companies, the idea of using human remains for entertainment purposes can be disturbing to many.

Furthermore, some fans and superstitious audiences have linked the use of real skeletons to the so-called “Poltergeist Curse,” a series of tragic events that affected some of the cast members after the film was released. These incidents included the untimely deaths of two actors, Dominique Dunne and Heather O’Rourke, which have led to speculation that the use of real skeletons may have brought bad luck to the production. However, most experts dismiss the curse as a coincidence.

Conclusion: Fact or Urban Legend?

So, did the 1982 movie Poltergeist really use real skeletons? The answer seems to be yes, according to statements from cast members and special effects artists who worked on the film. While it may seem macabre by today’s standards, it was not entirely uncommon for films of that era to use human skeletons for realism.

Whether or not you believe this practice was ethical or if it contributed to the “Poltergeist Curse,” the fact remains that the use of real skeletons adds yet another layer of eerie fascination to this iconic horror film.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Did Poltergeist really use real skeletons in the swimming pool scene?
Yes, according to cast and crew members, real human skeletons were used in the infamous swimming pool scene due to their affordability and realistic appearance.

2. Why did they use real skeletons in movies?
In the 1980s, real skeletons were often less expensive and more realistic than plastic models. They were legally obtained from medical supply companies, which provided them for both educational and film production purposes.

3. Did the use of real skeletons lead to the “Poltergeist Curse”?
The “Poltergeist Curse” is a widely circulated myth that tragic events surrounding the cast of the film are linked to the use of real skeletons. However, most experts dismiss the idea of a curse, considering it coincidence rather than supernatural retribution.

4. Is using real skeletons in movies still common today?
No, using real human skeletons in film productions is not a common practice today. Advances in technology and special effects have made it easier and more ethical to create realistic props without using human remains.

5. Who revealed that real skeletons were used in Poltergeist?
The rumor was first brought to light by actress JoBeth Williams, who starred in the film. Her account was later confirmed by special effects artist Craig Reardon in a documentary.

The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist remains a shocking fact that adds an extra layer of eeriness to the film’s legacy, continuing to fascinate and disturb fans of horror movies to this day.