The 1983 horror classic, Christine, terrified audiences with its depiction of a malevolent, self-repairing 1958 Plymouth Fury. Contrary to popular belief, the movie didn’t rely on just one. A total of 24 Plymouth Furys were used during the film’s production, with varying degrees of modification and mechanical functionality.
The Myth and the Machine: Separating Fact from Fiction
The legend surrounding Christine often blurs the lines between cinematic magic and reality. While the film depicts a seemingly indestructible car, the reality behind its creation was a complex undertaking that required a fleet of vehicles and a dedicated special effects team. The choice of the 1958 Plymouth Fury, ironically, was a challenge in itself. By 1983, these cars were already rare, making the production’s search for suitable candidates a significant undertaking.
The Fury’s Identity Crisis: Beyond the Fury
Adding to the complexity is the fact that not all the cars used were actually Furys. Some were Plymouth Belvederes and Savoys, lower-priced models that shared the same body style. These were then meticulously modified to resemble the Fury, primarily through the addition of the distinctive gold trim and “Christine Red” paint job. The Fury was only available in beige from the factory. This substitution allowed the production to utilize more readily available vehicles, while still maintaining the visual consistency needed for the film.
The Cost of Terror: Why So Many Cars?
The sheer number of cars used stemmed from the diverse demands of the script. Some were used for pristine shots, while others were sacrificed for destructive stunts. The “self-repairing” effect, a hallmark of the film, required significant mechanical and pyrotechnic ingenuity. To achieve this, specialized rigs were built to crush and reshape the cars, then reverse the process, creating the illusion of Christine regenerating herself. Each of these effects-heavy scenes often required a dedicated car, ultimately contributing to the impressive (and expensive) count.
Christine’s Cast and Crew: The Cars Behind the Character
The 24 cars used were not all in the same condition. The cars can be broken down into:
- Pristine “Hero” Cars: These were the most visually appealing and mechanically sound vehicles, used for close-ups and scenes where Christine needed to look her best.
- Stunt Cars: These vehicles were specifically modified to withstand the rigors of stunts, including crashes and explosions. They were often reinforced and equipped with safety features for the stunt drivers.
- Effect Cars: These were heavily modified to create the illusion of Christine’s self-repairing abilities. They were equipped with hydraulic rams, cables, and other mechanisms to crush and reshape the body panels.
- Parts Cars: These were vehicles that were beyond repair but still contained valuable parts that could be used to maintain the other cars.
The use of multiple cars allowed the production to efficiently shoot scenes that required different levels of performance and visual fidelity. It also ensured that the key “hero” cars remained in good condition throughout the filming process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: How many of the Plymouth Furys used in Christine were actually Furys?
While 24 Plymouths were used in the film, only a handful were genuine 1958 Furys. The rest were Belvederes and Savoys modified to look like Furys. This was due to the rarity and cost of finding enough actual Furys in suitable condition.
FAQ 2: What happened to the Christine cars after filming wrapped?
The fate of the Christine cars is varied. Some were destroyed during filming, while others were sold to private collectors. A few are rumored to still exist, having been restored or preserved in their original condition. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact whereabouts of all 24 cars.
FAQ 3: Was there a specific car that was considered “the main Christine”?
Yes, there were a few “hero” cars that received the most attention and screen time. These cars were kept in the best possible condition and were used for close-ups and scenes where Christine needed to look immaculate. However, no single car could be definitively labeled as “the” Christine.
FAQ 4: How much did it cost to use that many cars in a single movie?
The cost of acquiring and modifying the 24 Plymouths was substantial. Reports suggest that the production spent upwards of $40,000 per car, which, adjusted for inflation, would be a significant sum today. This doesn’t include the cost of the special effects rigs and the manpower needed to operate them.
FAQ 5: What kind of special effects were used to make Christine appear to repair herself?
The self-repairing effect was achieved through a combination of practical effects and clever editing. Hydraulic rams and cables were used to crush and reshape the car’s body panels, while reversed footage created the illusion of the car rebuilding itself. The special effects team also used pyrotechnics to simulate sparks and flames, adding to the dramatic effect.
FAQ 6: Why was the 1958 Plymouth Fury chosen for the movie?
Director John Carpenter was initially drawn to the Fury’s unique styling and aggressive front end. The car’s red and white color scheme (though Christine was repainted “Christine Red”) also contributed to its menacing appearance. The Fury’s rarity added to its mystique, making it a fitting choice for a supernatural horror film.
FAQ 7: Did the actors have any trouble driving the classic cars?
Driving vintage cars like the 1958 Plymouth Fury can be challenging, as they lack modern amenities like power steering and anti-lock brakes. However, the actors were reportedly given training to familiarize themselves with the cars and ensure their safety on set.
FAQ 8: Are there any surviving Christines available for purchase?
Finding an original Christine car is extremely difficult and expensive. When they do surface, they often command high prices at auctions and private sales. Potential buyers should be wary of counterfeit Christines, as many Plymouths have been modified to resemble the famous car.
FAQ 9: Was the car’s license plate (CQB 241) used on all the Christine cars?
No, while CQB 241 is the most recognized plate, not all the cars consistently wore it. Different plates were likely used on stunt cars or those used primarily for background shots to avoid confusion. The iconic plate was primarily reserved for the “hero” cars.
FAQ 10: Did the movie contribute to the increased value of 1958 Plymouth Furys?
Absolutely. Christine played a significant role in boosting the popularity and value of 1958 Plymouth Furys. Before the movie, these cars were relatively obscure. The film transformed them into highly sought-after collector’s items.
FAQ 11: Where can I see a real Christine car on display?
While there’s no single permanent exhibit, several privately owned Christine cars occasionally appear at car shows and conventions. Keep an eye on classic car enthusiast groups and event listings for potential sightings. A few are also rumored to be in private museums.
FAQ 12: How did they film the scenes where Christine seems to drive herself?
Scenes where Christine appears to drive herself were achieved through a combination of techniques. Some shots involved hidden drivers, while others relied on remote control technology. Clever editing and camera angles also played a crucial role in creating the illusion of a car with a mind of its own.