Truth Behind The Real Skeletons In Poltergeist: A Deep Dive

In the world of horror films, few movies have captured the imagination and fear of audiences like "Poltergeist." This 1982 classic is not only known for its spine-chilling scenes but also for the controversy surrounding the use of real human skeletons during filming. As whispers of curses and eerie occurrences around the cast emerged, many began to question the authenticity of the props used in key scenes. The tale of the skeletons has become a fascinating blend of fact and fiction, raising eyebrows and sparking debates among fans and critics alike.

The intriguing claims about "Poltergeist" re-emerged in October 2024, as social media users revisited the unsettling notion that the film featured genuine human remains instead of lifelike replicas. This discussion gained traction on platforms like X and Facebook, igniting curiosity about the veracity of these claims. Surprisingly, this isn't an entirely new conversation; Snopes, the fact-checking website, first delved into the topic back in 2017, revealing compelling evidence from those intimately involved in the production.

As we peel back the layers of this chilling narrative, we encounter statements from key figures in the film's production—including actors and special effects artists—who have confirmed the use of real skeletons. What might seem like a haunting tale of horror becomes a lesson in the intersection of cinema, ethics, and the human experience. Join us as we explore the truth behind the skeletons in "Poltergeist" and the myths that surround them.

Table of Contents

• The Claim: Real Skeletons in Poltergeist
• JoBeth Williams: The Actress' Perspective
• Craig Reardon: The Special Effects Artist's Insights
• The Myth of the 'Poltergeist Curse'
• Final Thoughts on Real Skeletons in Film

The Claim: Real Skeletons in Poltergeist

The claim that "Poltergeist" utilized genuine human skeletons has circulated for years, often surfacing around Halloween when horror enthusiasts revisit classic films. In a particularly notorious scene, Diane Freeling, played by JoBeth Williams, finds herself surrounded by skeletons in an unfinished swimming pool. The unsettling imagery has led many to believe that these were actual remains. This assertion prompted an investigation by Snopes, which confirmed that the art department did indeed use real skeletons for the film.

The basis for this claim stems from testimonies of individuals who worked on the production. Both JoBeth Williams and Craig Reardon, the special effects makeup artist, have publicly stated that the skeletons used during filming were not props but real human remains sourced from a biological supply company. This revelation has fueled discussions about the ethical implications of using real human bones in film, especially given the horror genre's penchant for realism.

JoBeth Williams: The Actress' Perspective

JoBeth Williams, who portrayed the terrified mother in "Poltergeist," has shared her experiences regarding the use of real skeletons on multiple occasions. In interviews, she has recounted how, during the filming of the infamous scene, she was surrounded by these skeletons for several days without realizing their authenticity. Initially, she believed they were mere props crafted from plastic or rubber.

Reflecting on this experience, Williams expressed that had she known the skeletons were real, it might have affected her ability to perform in such a disturbing environment. This sentiment resonates with many actors who find themselves immersed in intense and often unsettling scenes. Williams' candid reflections add a personal touch to the discussion surrounding the film and the choices made by its creators.

Craig Reardon: The Special Effects Artist's Insights

Craig Reardon, the special effects makeup artist behind some of the film's most haunting visuals, has also confirmed the use of real skeletons. In interviews, he explained that the skeletons were sourced from a catalog of a biological supply company, emphasizing that they were both affordable and varied in appearance. According to Reardon, they opted for real skeletons as replicating them would have been significantly more expensive.

Reardon’s insights shed light on the practical considerations that influenced the decision to use real bones. He noted that the production team aimed for authenticity in their horror film, which led to this controversial choice. His candid account of transforming clean skeletons into "semi-realistic" corpses for the film provides further context to the discussions surrounding the ethical implications of such decisions in the film industry.

The Myth of the 'Poltergeist Curse'

Alongside the claims of real skeletons, the notion of a "Poltergeist curse" has emerged, suggesting that the use of these remains led to tragic incidents involving cast members. Notably, the untimely deaths of two young actresses from the series—Dominique Dunne and Heather O'Rourke—have fueled this narrative. However, Snopes has debunked the idea that these tragedies were a result of any curse linked to the film.

Reardon expressed his frustration over this myth, highlighting that real human skeletons have been used in films for decades without such consequences. He emphasized that the idea of a curse is more of an Internet myth than a reflection of reality. This distinction is crucial in understanding the impact of sensationalized narratives in popular culture as they can often overshadow the truth.

Final Thoughts on Real Skeletons in Film

The story of the real skeletons in "Poltergeist" serves as a fascinating case study in the film industry’s past practices and the ethical discussions surrounding them. While the use of real human remains in film raises significant questions about morality, it also highlights the lengths to which filmmakers will go to achieve authenticity in their storytelling.

As audiences, it is essential to discern fact from fiction and approach such narratives with an understanding of the complexities involved. The truth behind these skeletons may be unsettling, but it is ultimately a reminder of the intersection between art, ethics, and human experience in the world of cinema.

Snopes' archives contributed to this report.

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