The use of real skeletons in the 1982 movie poltergeist (the 1982 movie poltergeist used real skeletons as – tymoff) was motivated by budgetary constraints and a desire to achieve realism. The skeletons were cheaper and more realistic than creating and using fake ones.
However, this decision has raised ethical concerns about the filmmaking process and the treatment of human remains. This article will explore the reasons behind this eerie choice, as well as its impact on cast and crew members.
Why did the filmmakers choose to use real skeletons?
Poltergeist is an iconic horror film with a bone-chilling plot that still haunts people today. Produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper, the movie was ahead of its time in terms of special effects and storytelling. The Oscar-nominated effects by Industrial Light and Magic are impressive, and they remain incredibly effective even decades after the movie’s release. Poltergeist also pioneered the use of “practical effects” – things like the creepy tree attack, spoon-bending, and those skeletons floating in the pool.
Real skeletons were used to add authenticity and realism to the movie. At the time, buying genuine skeletons was less expensive than creating fake ones. Using real skeletons also allowed the filmmakers to create a more eerie and tense setting on set. The actress who played Diane Freeling, JoBeth Williams, didn’t know that the skeletons were real until after the movie was finished. She was shocked, and revealed that the experience was traumatizing for her.
The filmmakers’ decision to use real skeletons has raised questions about respect for the deceased and the boundaries of artistic license. The controversy has also highlighted the need to balance realism with safety, especially on a movie set. This article will explore why the filmmakers chose to use real skeletons, how they did so, and the impact of this decision on the cast and crew.
What are the ethical implications of this decision?
The filmmakers made the decision to use real skeletons in certain scenes because they believed it would add an element of authenticity and realism to the film. They also argued that the cost of using real skeletons was much cheaper than creating replicas. However, the use of real skeletons raised ethical concerns. It raised questions about respect for the deceased, audience sensitivity, and the moral implications of the entertainment industry. The cast and crew were shocked to learn that the skeletons they worked with were actually real human remains. This revelation was particularly troubling for JoBeth Williams, who played Diane Freeling. She felt that the use of real skeletons was inappropriate and disgusting.
The skeletons were purchased from a medical supply company, and the filmmakers were not aware of their origins at the time. This fact has raised many questions about the ethical use of props and the blurred lines between illusion and reality in cinematic storytelling.
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist sparked controversy and debate over the impact of this decision on the cast and crew of the film. The controversy has contributed to the film’s legacy, and it has served as a reminder of the importance of ethical standards in the film industry. It has also highlighted the need for more transparency and accountability in filmmaking.
What are the legal implications of this decision?
Few films have captured the imagination and sent shivers down the spine like Poltergeist. This iconic horror classic is renowned for its gripping storyline, groundbreaking special effects, and haunting visuals. Yet, behind the scenes, the film hides a dark and macabre secret: the filmmakers used real human skeletons in some of the movie’s most chilling scenes.
The decision to use real skeletons in the film raises a number of ethical concerns, including issues of respect for the dead and audience sensitivity. It also raises questions about the ethics of using props in movies and the blurry line between illusion and reality in filmmaking.
For the cast and crew of Poltergeist, the revelation that the skeletons were real was a profound psychological shock. JoBeth Williams, who played Diane Freeling, said that she was “horrified” when she learned the truth about the skeletons. This section explores the cast and crew’s reactions to this news, and seeks to understand how it may have affected their perception of the movie and their experiences on set.
The use of real skeletons in Poltergeist is just one of many ways that the film pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable in cinema. This section examines other ethical and moral concerns that are raised by the film, including issues of racism and gender bias. It also explores how the film reflects broader cultural anxieties and fascinations with death and the supernatural.
What are the cultural and historical implications of this decision?
There is no denying that Poltergeist was an incredibly influential film. Not only did it become one of the most popular movies of all time, but it also inspired a whole subgenre of horror films. It is often cited as the first movie to depict paranormal activity on screen.
However, the true significance of the movie lies in its social commentary. The movie reveals that something is very wrong with Reagan-era America. The white picket fence no longer represents the ideal American family; instead, it is a gateway to a vast cemetery. The skeletons used in the film are meant to represent the souls of those who have passed on. The Freelings are being tormented by these souls because they have disrespected their graves.
Moreover, the movie demonstrates that our modern media is a portal through which evil can enter the home. The eerie blue light of the television and the static blue color of the closet symbolizes this evil. In addition, the movie reveals that our media is filled with images of sex, violence, and death.
In fact, many people believe that the movie was cursed, because two of the main actors – Dominique Dunne and Heather O’Rourke – died shortly after making the film. Whether or not there is any truth to this story, the film does have a very powerful message about the dangers of pop culture.
