Are you a fan of horror films with an appetite for creepy trivia? Here’s one to get your spine tingling – the 1982 movie “Poltergeist” used actual human skeletons in some of its scenes.
In this blog post, we’ll dig deep into why real remains were chosen over props and examine the controversy that ensued. Eager to explore more bone-chilling details? Stay tuned!
The Scene in Poltergeist with Real Skeletons
In the 1982 movie “Poltergeist”, real skeletons made a scary show. The scene at the end of the movie is where these skeletons pop up. The family finds their home built on a graveyard.
As they swim in their pool, many dead bodies rise from the ground. This creepy scene was shot using real bones that once belonged to humans.
These worn-out bones were not cursed or haunted. Movie makers got them from places that study sick people, like hospitals or labs. Using things from real life makes it feel more true-to-life for those watching.
Some horror movies use this trick to get big frights and jumps from fans!
The Reason Real Skeletons Were Used
Real skeletons were used in the movie Poltergeist for cost-effectiveness, availability, and to create a sense of realism in the film.
Cost-effectiveness
The use of real human skeletons in the 1982 movie “Poltergeist” was driven by cost-effectiveness. It was cheaper to obtain and use real skeletons than it would have been to create and use plastic ones.
This decision helped the filmmakers stay within their budget while still achieving the desired effect for the film’s ending scene, where multiple skeletons arise from the ground. By using real skeletons, they were able to save money without sacrificing realism.
The practice of using real human remains in horror movies was not uncommon at that time, as other films also employed this cost-effective technique.
Availability
Real skeletons were used in the 1982 movie “Poltergeist” because they were easily available. At that time, obtaining plastic skeletons for movies was expensive and difficult. So, using real human skeletons was a cost-effective option for the filmmakers.
They were able to find these skeletons from medical or scientific sources. This made it more convenient to create the haunting scene in the movie’s ending where multiple skeletons rise from the ground.
The availability of real skeletons allowed for a more realistic portrayal of this eerie moment in the film.
Realism
The use of real skeletons in the 1982 movie “Poltergeist” adds to the realism and unsettling nature of the film. In the ending sequence, where multiple skeletons arise from the ground, these were once actual human remains.
At that time, using real skeletons in horror movies was not uncommon, as it helped create a more authentic and chilling atmosphere. While some viewers may find this practice disturbing or unsettling, it is important to note that these skeletons were obtained from medical or scientific sources and were not victims of curses or supernatural events.
The presence of real skeletons in “Poltergeist” highlights the filmmakers’ commitment to creating a truly terrifying experience for audiences.
Controversy Surrounding the Use of Real Skeletons
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist sparked ethical concerns and had an impact on the cast and crew, leading to discussions about cultural attitudes towards death. Read more to learn about the controversy surrounding this chilling decision.
Ethical concerns
The use of real human skeletons in movies raises ethical concerns.
- Respecting the dead: Using real human remains in films can be seen as disrespectful to the deceased individuals, as their bodies are being used for entertainment purposes.
- Consent and ownership: It is unclear whether the individuals whose remains were used gave their consent to be part of a movie. Additionally, there may be questions about who owns these remains and if proper permissions were obtained.
- Cultural sensitivity: Different cultures have varying beliefs and practices surrounding death and the treatment of human remains. The use of real skeletons in movies may offend cultural sensitivities and beliefs.
- Impact on cast and crew: Working with real skeletons can have psychological effects on actors, directors, and other members of the production team. It can create a creepy or uncomfortable atmosphere on set.
- Historical context: The use of real human skeletons was more common several decades ago when plastic alternatives were not widely available. However, with advancements in special effects technology, it is now possible to create realistic-looking fake skeletons without resorting to using real human remains.
Impact on cast and crew
The use of real skeletons in the 1982 movie “Poltergeist” had an impact on the cast and crew. Working with real human remains may have been unsettling for some people on set, as it is not something they encounter often.
It could have created a creepy and eerie atmosphere during filming, which might have affected their performance and overall experience. The presence of real skeletons may have also raised ethical concerns among the cast and crew members.
However, since there is no specific information available about how exactly they were impacted, we can only speculate about their reactions to working with real human remains in a horror movie setting like “Poltergeist”.
Cultural attitudes towards death
Different cultures have varying attitudes towards death. Some cultures view it as a natural part of life, while others see it as something to be feared or avoided. In the case of “Poltergeist,” the use of real skeletons in the movie may have been influenced by cultural beliefs and superstitions surrounding death.
The filmmakers likely tapped into the audience’s fascination with death and the supernatural to create a sense of fear and unease. This choice reflects how cultural attitudes towards death can shape our perceptions and experiences with horror movies.
Legacy and Impact of the Real Skeletons in Poltergeist
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist had a lasting impact on the horror genre, influencing other filmmakers to incorporate practical effects for a more realistic and chilling experience.
Additionally, it sparked public discussion and reflection on the ethical considerations and cultural attitudes towards death in film.
Influence on other horror films
The use of real human skeletons in “Poltergeist” had a significant influence on other horror films. This groundbreaking decision to incorporate actual human remains added an extra layer of authenticity and creepiness that resonated with audiences.
It set a precedent for future filmmakers to push the boundaries of practical effects and create more immersive horror experiences. The use of real skeletons became a popular trope in the genre, with other movies also opting for this chilling technique to enhance their scares.
While controversial, it cannot be denied that “Poltergeist” paved the way for new approaches to practical effects in horror cinema.
Public perception and discussions
The use of real human skeletons in the movie “Poltergeist” has sparked interest and discussions among viewers. Some people find it unsettling or disturbing to see actual human remains used in a film, especially in a horror movie where supernatural events are portrayed.
The public perception varies, with some appreciating the realism it adds to the movie, while others question the ethics behind using real skeletons for entertainment purposes. This controversial aspect of “Poltergeist” has led to debates about the boundaries between art and respect for the deceased.
Other horror films that have also used real skeletons have faced similar discussions about their use of practical effects and whether it crosses ethical lines.
Reflections on the use of practical effects in filmmaking
The use of practical effects in filmmaking, such as real skeletons, can have a powerful impact on the audience. In movies like “Poltergeist,” the decision to incorporate these elements was driven by cost-effectiveness and the desire for realism.
While some viewers may find it unsettling, using real human remains adds to the eerie atmosphere and makes scenes more believable. This practice was not uncommon in horror films at that time, and it has influenced other movies in the genre.
The controversy surrounding the use of real skeletons raises ethical concerns and highlights cultural attitudes towards death. Overall, practical effects have a lasting legacy in filmmaking, provoking public discussions and shaping how we perceive supernatural events on screen.
Key Takeaways
- The 1982 movie “Poltergeist” used real human skeletons in certain scenes, including the ending where skeletons emerge from the ground.
- Real skeletons were chosen for cost – effectiveness and to create a sense of realism in the film.
- The use of real skeletons sparked ethical concerns and discussions about cultural attitudes towards death in film.
- The decision to use real skeletons had a lasting impact on the horror genre, influencing other filmmakers to incorporate practical effects for a more chilling experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1982 movie “Poltergeist” used real human skeletons in certain scenes, including the famous ending where skeletons emerge from the ground. This decision was driven by cost-effectiveness and a desire for realism.
While some viewers may find it disturbing, the use of real skeletons added to the eerie atmosphere of the film and sparked discussions about practical effects in filmmaking.
FAQs
1. Did the 1982 movie Poltergeist really use real skeletons?
Yes, it is true that real skeletons were used in certain scenes of the 1982 movie Poltergeist.
2. Why were real skeletons used in the film?
The use of real skeletons was part of the movie trivia to create a ghostly presence and add creepiness to some scary movie scenes.
3. What happens at the end of Poltergeist?
In the ending scene of Poltergeist, an evil spirit tries to bury alive the family’s house by using spirits of dead people, but they escape before it collapses.
4. I’ve heard there are urban legends about this film – what’s one example?
An urban legend from this haunted house movie is about cursed objects like buried human bones causing otherworldly paranormal activity and bad luck on set!
5. What other films have made use of real skeletons?
Other movies have also used real skeletons as props for horror effect; nonetheless, their usage in Poltergeist has become famous due to its correlation with creepy curse stories associated with its production.
