In the summer of 1982, the horror film Poltergeist not only confirmed our worst fears about what lurks in the dark but also unfolded a real-life horror behind the scenes. As the documentary, “E! True Hollywood Story: Curse of the Poltergeist” explores the tales and myths surrounding the Poltergeist films, it delves into the unsettling reality that proved to be stranger than fiction.
The genesis of Poltergeist lay in Steven Spielberg’s fear of a tree, a personal phobia manifested on screen. The film captured the essence of Spielberg’s own childhood fear and provided a platform to explore deeper fears beyond clowns. Despite Spielberg’s commitment to another project, he found a solution by producing Poltergeist, ensuring his involvement in crafting a tale that resonated with personal anxieties.
Unconventional Casting Choices
The casting process for Poltergeist was marked by unconventional choices. Zelda Rubenstein, who auditioned for the role of the mysterious exorcist, shared firsthand experiences with the unknown, adding an authentic touch to her character. The documentary sheds light on how the film’s actors, including JoBeth Williams and Craig T. Nelson, brought personal fears and experiences into their performances, contributing to the film’s eerie authenticity.
However, the challenges extended beyond personal fears. The documentary unfolds Spielberg’s hands-on approach during the creation of a horrifying scene involving the tearing of a face. Facing concerns from the Motion Picture Association of America, Spielberg’s involvement in this intense scene aimed to secure a more favorable rating for Poltergeist, ensuring its accessibility to a wider audience.
The Curse Unveiled
As Poltergeist became a blockbuster, it left an unexpected impact on the lives of its cast. The documentary narrates the eerie incidents and tragic events that unfolded, leading to the creation of the infamous “Curse of Poltergeist.” From unexpected deaths to controversies surrounding the film, the curse took on a life of its own, leaving an indelible mark on the film’s legacy.
One striking incident was the murder trial of John Sweeney, a former LAPD detective, who visited actress Dominique Dunne during the filming of Poltergeist. The tragedy that befell Dunne added a layer of darkness to the film’s narrative and fueled the growing belief in a curse associated with the production.
From Sequels to Set Disasters
The documentary delves into the challenges faced during the production of Poltergeist sequels. From special effects mishaps to the untimely death of actor Julian Beck, the making of Poltergeist 2 proved to be another nerve-wracking experience for the cast and crew. Heather O’Rourke’s illness during the filming of Poltergeist 3 added to the ominous atmosphere surrounding the franchise.
The set itself seemed to be plagued, with strange incidents like duplicated rooms and unexplained occurrences during the shooting. The documentary explores how these incidents contributed to the belief in a curse that continued to haunt the legacy of Poltergeist.
A Legacy of Fear and Mystery
As “E! True Hollywood Story: Curse of the Poltergeist” concludes, it leaves viewers with a sense of the enduring legacy of Poltergeist. Beyond the scares on screen, the real horror behind the scenes, coupled with tragic events, has created a narrative that transcends the boundaries of a typical Hollywood horror film. The curse of Poltergeist, whether rooted in reality or mere coincidence, continues to cast a mysterious and chilling shadow over the iconic film and its legacy.
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