The 1982 movie Poltergeist is a beloved classic horror movie, and its use of real skeletons as props is a well-known fact. It was daring for the filmmakers to use actual human remains for the movie’s production, and it paid off in spades. The movie was a huge success and went on to spawn several sequels. But why did the filmmakers use real skeletons, and what were the consequences?
Overview of Poltergeist
Poltergeist was a 1982 American horror movie directed by Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg. It starred Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, and Heather O’Rourke as a family who finds their suburban home invaded by ghosts and other supernatural forces. While shooting the movie, the production team decided to use real skeletons as props, which caused a bit of a stir among the cast and crew.
The use of real skeletons in the movie was controversial, as many were concerned about the moral implications of using actual human remains in a horror film. Despite some reservations, the use of real skeletons in the movie ultimately created a more eerie and realistic atmosphere, which helped to make the movie more successful.
Real Skeletons as Props
The 1982 movie Poltergeist used real skeletons as props to create a more authentic atmosphere for the horror film. Using real skeletons instead of animatronic or prosthetic props made the movie more frightening and created a more believable horror experience. While the skeletons used in the movie were not human, they were real bones from animals.
The skeletons used in the movie were donated from medical schools, and the bones were carefully arranged and posed to create the various scenes. The addition of the real skeletons gave the movie a more realistic feeling and helped to create the tension and suspense that made the movie so successful. For many viewers, using real skeletons was one of the most memorable aspects of the movie. Using real skeletons as props in Poltergeist was bold and paid off in spades.
Benefits of Using Real Skeletons
Using real skeletons in Poltergeist was an ingenious decision, allowing the filmmakers to create a terrifying atmosphere. Using real skeletons allowed the filmmakers to manipulate them and pose them in ways that would not have been possible with fake props. Using real skeletons also allowed for better lighting effects, creating a more realistic look. Additionally, real skeletons are more durable than fake props and can withstand the rigors of shooting without breaking or becoming damaged. Using real skeletons was also much more cost-effective than using fake props, making it an excellent decision for producing Poltergeist.
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist was also beneficial for the audience. Audiences could experience a genuinely terrifying and spooky atmosphere that would not have been possible with fake props. Real skeletons can be manipulated and posed in ways that would not have been possible with fake props, creating a genuinely believable horror atmosphere. Using real skeletons also allowed for better lighting effects, making the movie even scarier.
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist was also advantageous for the actors. Using real skeletons, the actors could use their imaginations and bring the characters to life in a way that would not have been possible with fake props. Using real skeletons allowed the actors to be more creative and expressive in their performances, making the movie a classic horror film.
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist was an inspired decision that allowed the filmmakers to create a truly frightening and realistic atmosphere. Real skeletons are more durable than fake props, allowing for better lighting effects. Additionally, real skeletons are much more cost-effective than using fake props. Using real skeletons also allowed the actors to be more creative and expressive. Overall, using real skeletons in Poltergeist was an excellent decision for the movie’s production and helped make it a classic horror film.
Production Challenges of this
The 1982 movie Poltergeist created a lot of controversy and intrigue when it was released due to its unique production challenges. One of the most noteworthy of these challenges was the use of real skeletons as props.
The prop department faced the difficult task of sourcing real human skeletons for the film. This created some primary ethical considerations, as the production team had to source the skeletons from medical facilities in a way that was respectful to the deceased. To ensure the utmost respect was given to the deceased, the production team decided to use skeletons already available in medical facilities rather than purchasing them from other sources. This decision was met with mixed reactions from the cast and crew, with some feeling uncomfortable about working with actual human remains.
Despite the ethical concerns, the production team treated the skeletons with the utmost care and respect, ensuring they were handled with dignity and not used as a cheap props. By using real skeletons, the producers were able to give the movie a more authentic and eerie feel, something that would not have been possible with cheaper, synthetic alternatives.
Potential Legal Issues
The Impact of Using Real Skeletons
One potential legal issue from the 1982 movie Poltergeist using real skeletons as props was the lack of consent from the deceased individuals or their families. The use of real human skeletons in the movie raised ethical and legal questions about whether the deceased individuals or their families permitted their remains to be used as props.
Using actual human remains without consent is an ethical violation, but it may also be illegal in some jurisdictions. There may also have been a contractual issue with the film studio regarding whether the use of human remains was explicitly prohibited in the contract. Legal issues may have arisen if the studio failed to get the necessary consent from the deceased individuals or their families or if they failed to comply with any contractual requirements. Ultimately, the movie’s producers avoided potential legal issues using fake skeletons.
Conclusion
The 1982 movie Poltergeist used real skeletons as props to help create the haunting and eerie atmosphere of the movie. While this may have been shocking and controversial then, it provides a unique insight into the filmmakers’ creative processes. It also shows that the movie was willing to go to extreme lengths to create a truly memorable horror experience. Although it may have been controversial, the use of real skeletons in the movie ultimately helped to make it a classic in the genre.