Movie Details That Slipped Past Even the Most Attentive Fans
13. Going for Cheaper Skeletons
Among the most surprising and disturbing aspects of *Poltergeist* shooting is actress JoBeth Williams and the notorious pool scene. After shooting the sequence, everything seemed fine—until she later discovered the skeletons she swam around were 100% real. Can you imagine the horror of finding out you were surrounded by actual human remains? Naturally, it spooked her
The filmmakers opted for real skeletons because they were far cheaper to source from a medical company than creating realistic rubber replicas. This decision, while cost-effective, left a lasting impact on Williams and added an eerie authenticity to the scene. Horror movies often rely on practical effects to heighten tension, but using real skeletons crosses a line for many. How far is too far when it comes to creating a convincing scare? This revelation not only shocked Williams but also sparked conversations about ethics in filmmaking, making it a memorable behind-the-scenes moment in Hollywood history.