# Poltergeist

> 1982 film directed by Tobe Hooper

**Wikidata**: [Q497622](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q497622)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poltergeist_(1982_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/poltergeist

## Summary
Poltergeist is a 1982 supernatural horror film directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg. The film follows a suburban family whose home is invaded by malevolent spirits that abduct their young daughter.

## Key Facts
- Released: September 23, 1982
- Director: Tobe Hooper
- Producer: Steven Spielberg
- Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
- Country of Origin: United States
- Genre: Supernatural horror film, thriller film, fantasy film
- Runtime: 114 minutes
- IMDb ID: tt0084516
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%
- Metacritic Score: 79/100
- Box Office: $76.6 million worldwide
- Followed by: Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)
- Named after: Poltergeist (type of ghost or spirit that moves physical objects)

## FAQs
**What is the plot of Poltergeist?**
The film centers on the Freeling family living in a California suburb whose home is built on a former cemetery. When supernatural forces abduct their youngest daughter Carol Anne, the family must confront malevolent spirits to rescue her from the "other side."

**Who directed Poltergeist and what was the controversy?**
Tobe Hooper was credited as director, but there was significant controversy about Steven Spielberg's involvement, as he was on set daily, co-wrote the screenplay, and many believed he effectively directed the film. Spielberg was restricted from directing due to his contract with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

**What are the notable deaths associated with the Poltergeist franchise?**
The film is infamous for the "Poltergeist curse" due to several cast members dying prematurely. Heather O'Rourke, who played Carol Anne, died at age 12 in 1988. Dominique Dunne, who played the teenage daughter, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1982 at age 22.

**What special effects were used in Poltergeist?**
The film used groundbreaking practical effects for its time, including the famous "face peeling" scene, the swimming pool skeletons, and the portal effects. Industrial Light & Magic handled many of the visual effects, while practical effects were created by a team led by Craig Reardon.

## Why It Matters
Poltergeist fundamentally changed the landscape of supernatural horror cinema by combining Spielberg's family-friendly sensibility with genuinely terrifying imagery. The film established the template for suburban horror, where the safety of the American home becomes the source of terror. Its success spawned a franchise and influenced countless horror films that followed, particularly in how it blended horror with family drama. The film's iconic scenes, such as the television static communication and the clown doll attack, became cultural touchstones that continue to be referenced in popular media. Additionally, the "Poltergeist curse" surrounding the untimely deaths of cast members has become one of Hollywood's most enduring urban legends.

## Notable For
- Groundbreaking practical effects that pushed the boundaries of 1980s horror cinema
- The controversial directorial situation between Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg
- Establishing the "suburban horror" subgenre where domestic spaces become threatening
- The infamous "Poltergeist curse" surrounding cast member deaths
- Iconic imagery including the television static scene and the clown doll attack
- Successful blend of family drama with supernatural horror elements
- Significant box office success that spawned a franchise
- Influence on subsequent horror films and television shows
- Memorable score by Jerry Goldsmith
- Cultural impact that extended beyond cinema into urban legend territory

## Body
### Production and Development
Poltergeist was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and released on September 23, 1982. The film was directed by Tobe Hooper, known for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, but produced and co-written by Steven Spielberg, who was heavily involved in the creative process. The production budget was approximately $10.7 million, and the film grossed $76.6 million worldwide, making it a significant commercial success.

### Creative Team
The film was written by Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais, and Mark Victor. Jerry Goldsmith composed the score, which became one of his most celebrated works. The cinematography was handled by Matthew F. Leonetti, and the editing was done by Michael Kahn. Industrial Light & Magic contributed to the visual effects, while practical effects were created by a team led by Craig Reardon.

### Cast and Characters
The film starred Craig T. Nelson as Steve Freeling, JoBeth Williams as Diane Freeling, and featured young Heather O'Rourke in her breakthrough role as Carol Anne Freeling. Dominique Dunne played the teenage daughter Dana Freeling, and Oliver Robins portrayed the son Robbie Freeling. Beatrice Straight appeared as Dr. Lesh, the parapsychologist who helps the family.

### Plot and Themes
The story follows the Freeling family in Cuesta Verde, California, whose home is built on a former cemetery. When supernatural forces abduct their youngest daughter Carol Anne through the television, the family must confront malevolent spirits to rescue her. The film explores themes of family, suburban life, and the intrusion of supernatural forces into domestic spaces. It combines elements of horror with family drama, creating a unique tone that appealed to both horror fans and mainstream audiences.

### Special Effects and Technical Achievements
Poltergeist was notable for its groundbreaking practical effects, which were revolutionary for 1982. The film featured the famous "face peeling" scene where a character's face deteriorates, the swimming pool filled with skeletons, and the portal effects showing the "other side." The special effects team used a combination of practical effects, puppetry, and early visual effects to create the supernatural elements. The film's technical achievements helped establish new standards for horror cinema.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
The film's success led to two sequels: Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986) and Poltergeist III (1988). It also spawned a television series and has been referenced and parodied extensively in popular culture. The film's imagery, particularly the television static scene and the clown doll attack, have become iconic in horror cinema. The "Poltergeist curse" surrounding the deaths of cast members has become one of Hollywood's most enduring urban legends, adding to the film's cultural significance.

### Music and Sound Design
Jerry Goldsmith's score for Poltergeist is considered one of his finest works, earning him an Academy Award nomination. The score effectively balanced the film's horror elements with its family drama aspects. The sound design, including the famous "They're here" line delivered by Heather O'Rourke, became instantly recognizable and contributed significantly to the film's atmosphere.

### Critical Reception and Awards
Upon release, Poltergeist received positive reviews from critics, who praised its blend of horror and family drama, as well as its technical achievements. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Original Score, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects. It won the Saturn Award for Best Make-up and received several other nominations from horror and science fiction organizations.

### Franchise and Spin-offs
The success of the original film spawned a franchise including two theatrical sequels, a television series, and various merchandise. The franchise expanded the mythology established in the original film, exploring the backstory of the spirits and the history of the cemetery beneath the Freeling home. While the sequels were not as critically acclaimed as the original, they maintained the franchise's popularity among horror fans.

### Technical Specifications
The film was shot on 35mm film using Panavision cameras and spherical lenses. The aspect ratio is 1.85:1, and the theatrical release was in stereo sound. The special effects were created using a combination of practical effects, including puppetry and mechanical effects, along with optical effects and early computer-generated imagery for the time period.

## References

1. IMDb
2. FilmAffinity
3. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/duch-1982)
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6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084516/fullcredits)
7. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
8. The Movie Database
9. Poltergeist. Rotten Tomatoes
10. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084516/releaseinfo)
11. Google Knowledge Graph
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