The Controversial Use of Real Skeletons in the 1982 Movie Poltergeist

The 1982 movie Poltergeist used real skeletons as – tymoff. Released in 1982, Poltergeist is a classic horror film that has captivated audiences for decades. Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, the movie follows a suburban family terrorized by malevolent spirits. While Poltergeist is celebrated for its groundbreaking special effects and chilling atmosphere, it is also infamous for a controversial behind-the-scenes detail: the use of real skeletons in certain scenes.

The Controversy

The revelation that real skeletons were used during the filming of Poltergeist shocked many viewers and sparked widespread debate. The controversy arose when it was discovered that the production team opted to use authentic human remains instead of artificial props for certain scenes, particularly those involving a swimming pool filled with skeletons.

This decision raised ethical questions about the treatment of human remains in the film industry and prompted backlash from both audiences and critics. Many found the use of real skeletons disrespectful and macabre, while others were simply disturbed by the idea of human bones being used as props in a horror movie.

Industry Practices

While the use of real skeletons in filmmaking may seem shocking to modern audiences, it was not uncommon in the early days of cinema. In the golden age of Hollywood, studios often obtained human remains from medical schools and other sources for use as props in horror films and other productions.

However, as societal attitudes towards death and human dignity evolved, the practice fell out of favor, and regulations were put in place to prevent the unauthorized use of human remains in films. Today, most filmmakers opt for artificial props or digital effects to create realistic-looking scenes involving skeletons or other anatomical elements.

Legal and Moral Implications

The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist raised legal and moral concerns regarding the handling of human remains in the entertainment industry. While there are laws and regulations governing the use of human remains in film and television productions, enforcement can be challenging, especially when dealing with older films like Poltergeist.

Furthermore, the controversy surrounding Poltergeist highlighted the importance of ethical considerations when depicting death and violence on screen. While horror films are intended to shock and scare audiences, they should not do so at the expense of basic human decency.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Despite the controversy surrounding its use of real skeletons, Poltergeist remains a beloved classic among horror fans. In interviews conducted with cast and crew members, it was revealed that the decision to use real skeletons was made for budgetary reasons, as obtaining realistic-looking props was deemed too expensive at the time.

While some members of the production team expressed discomfort with the use of real skeletons, others defended the decision as necessary for achieving the desired level of realism in the film’s most iconic scenes.

Legacy of Poltergeist

Despite the controversy surrounding its production, Poltergeist has left an indelible mark on the horror genre. Its groundbreaking special effects and innovative storytelling techniques have influenced countless filmmakers and inspired generations of horror fans.

While the use of real skeletons may forever be a stain on Poltergeist’s legacy, it serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with creating art that explores themes of death and the supernatural.

Conclusion

Poltergeist remains a landmark achievement in the horror genre, but its use of real skeletons continues to spark debate and controversy. While the decision to use authentic human remains may have been made in the pursuit of realism, it raises important questions about the ethical boundaries of filmmaking and the treatment of human remains in popular culture.

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FAQs

1. Was the use of real skeletons in Poltergeist legal?
   • While there are laws governing the use of human remains in film productions, enforcement can be challenging, especially with older films like Poltergeist.
2. Did the controversy surrounding Poltergeist affect its box office performance?
   • Despite the controversy, Poltergeist was a commercial success, grossing over $120 million worldwide.
3. Have there been similar controversies in other films?
   • Yes, other films have faced similar controversies over the use of real skeletons or other human remains as props.
4. Was Steven Spielberg involved in the decision to use real skeletons?
   • As a producer of Poltergeist, Spielberg was likely aware of the decision to use real skeletons, but his level of involvement in the controversy is unclear.
5. Are real skeletons still used in films today?
   • While the use of real skeletons is rare in modern filmmaking, there have been instances where authentic human remains were used for artistic or historical purposes.