When I was approached with the script for Poltergeist, I initially dismissed it as horror, given my distaste for the genre. However, when I learned that Steven Spielberg was producing and had even written the script himself, something about the strong female characters caught my attention.
One of the standout aspects of the film's production was the improvisational nature of the cast's performances. Craig T Nelson, who played my on-screen husband, would often improvise during scenes, much to the amusement of our crew. The scene where he improvised a "before/after" routine with his stomach while smoking pot in bed is still remembered fondly by many.
One of the most memorable scenes for me was when I played the role of Diane Freeling and was dragged across the bed, up the wall, and across the ceiling by an invisible force. This scene was filmed on a rotating set called a gimbal, which allowed for smooth, seamless movements that added to the overall sense of unease. Our cameraman, Dennis, had to endure dizzying rotations while strapped to the set before being relieved due to nausea.
I also recall having to play a character who hallucinates clawing off his own face in the bathroom mirror. This scene required an elaborate upper-body dummy that cost $10,000 for just the wig alone – a staggering amount at the time. Despite initial reservations, I eventually came around and delivered the performance Steven had envisioned.
Interestingly, one of the most unexpected elements of the film's production was the use of real skeletons in some scenes. At the time, I wasn't aware that these were actual bones rather than props, which would have added to my unease. However, Spielberg himself waded into the water to reassure me about the safety of the set.
In retrospect, it's clear that Poltergeist was a groundbreaking film that pushed boundaries in terms of special effects and on-screen violence. While some scenes were edited due to concerns over explicit content, others remained intact due to strong performances from the cast.
One of the standout aspects of the film's production was the improvisational nature of the cast's performances. Craig T Nelson, who played my on-screen husband, would often improvise during scenes, much to the amusement of our crew. The scene where he improvised a "before/after" routine with his stomach while smoking pot in bed is still remembered fondly by many.
One of the most memorable scenes for me was when I played the role of Diane Freeling and was dragged across the bed, up the wall, and across the ceiling by an invisible force. This scene was filmed on a rotating set called a gimbal, which allowed for smooth, seamless movements that added to the overall sense of unease. Our cameraman, Dennis, had to endure dizzying rotations while strapped to the set before being relieved due to nausea.
I also recall having to play a character who hallucinates clawing off his own face in the bathroom mirror. This scene required an elaborate upper-body dummy that cost $10,000 for just the wig alone – a staggering amount at the time. Despite initial reservations, I eventually came around and delivered the performance Steven had envisioned.
Interestingly, one of the most unexpected elements of the film's production was the use of real skeletons in some scenes. At the time, I wasn't aware that these were actual bones rather than props, which would have added to my unease. However, Spielberg himself waded into the water to reassure me about the safety of the set.
In retrospect, it's clear that Poltergeist was a groundbreaking film that pushed boundaries in terms of special effects and on-screen violence. While some scenes were edited due to concerns over explicit content, others remained intact due to strong performances from the cast.
. The way they used those real skeletons was actually kinda genius - it added this whole new level of eeriness to the film that still freaks me out to this day 
. And can you believe Spielberg himself swam in the tank with the fake skeletons to make sure everyone was safe? Talk about dedication 
. But what really gets me is how some of the more intense scenes were edited down due to concerns over content - it's like they knew some people might not be ready for that kind of thing back then 
. Still, the film's got a certain charm to it now that I've seen it a few times, especially with all the nods to classic horror flicks 
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! The idea of filming on a rotating set must've been trippy, but I guess it added to the scare factor 
. And $10k just for a wig? 
that's crazy rich! Steven Spielberg is definitely a genius behind the scenes, you're lucky he had faith in your acting abilities 
. Playing a character who hallucinates and then actually gets some creepy special effects must've been super unsettling 
. I can see why that scene would be memorable 
that would've freaked me out for sure 
but yeah it's clear steven spielberg knew what he was doing with this film 
. And you're right, Poltergeist was a game-changer in terms of special effects and on-screen intensity. It's still holding up today 
anyway back to poltergeist, i think it's cool how steven spiegelt used real skeletons in some scenes, can u imagine how freaky that must've been for the actors?! 
. I love how he emphasized those powerful female characters - it's so cool that Tatum was on board and helped bring the whole thing together 
meanwhile, i'm over here trying to finish my math homework without falling asleep 
I think its pretty wild to think about how the cast of poltergeist just went with whatever they thought was needed for the scene 
i feel bad for craig t nelson tho who had to improvise all the time while smoking pot lol 
it's insane! 
and btw, that scene where diane freeling is dragged across the ceiling is still giving me chills 
it's like u can feel the fear! 
it's like something out of a sci-fi movie! 
and those $10k wigs tho... 
& can we talk about steven spielberg's genius for casting the kids in that movie? they were literally 9 & 11 yrs old during filming 
anyway, back to poltergeist... did u know they used real skeletons in some scenes?!? thats just crazy 
). The film's use of special effects was truly groundbreaking and it's no wonder it still holds up today 
.
and can you even imagine doing improv scenes with Craig T Nelson? 
That scene where he was smoking pot and doing that "before/after" thing on the bed is still giving me life 
The skeletons in the bathroom scene tho, no cap, that would've been so unsettling 
. I'm also low-key impressed by the elaborate dummy they used for my character's bathroom scene