The chilling phrase, “They’re here!”, squeaked by a child’s voice, is inextricably linked to the 1982 horror classic Poltergeist. While initially attributed to young actress Heather O’Rourke (Carol Anne Freeling), the definitive answer is complex, involving voice manipulation and a strategic layering of sounds to create the iconic, unsettling effect.
The Genesis of a Scream: Delving into Poltergeist’s Sound Design
The true genius behind the “They’re here!” sequence lies not solely with a single voice actor but rather with the innovative sound design employed by Academy Award-winning sound designer Stephen Hunter Flick and the film’s director, Tobe Hooper. While Heather O’Rourke did, in fact, deliver the line, it was subjected to significant post-production alterations. This involved pitch shifting, amplification, and the blending of other vocal elements to create the unnerving, otherworldly quality that has haunted audiences for decades.
Unraveling the Vocal Layers
The original recording of Heather O’Rourke saying “They’re here!” possesses a certain childlike innocence. However, the final version heard in the film is anything but. Flick reportedly experimented with a variety of techniques to distort and manipulate her voice, aiming to achieve a sound that was both familiar and deeply unsettling. This included increasing the pitch to a high-pitched squeal, adding a subtle echo, and potentially incorporating whispers or other vocalizations into the mix. The result is a composite sound – a blend of O’Rourke’s natural voice with technologically enhanced distortions – making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source.
Beyond Voice: Sound as Storytelling
It’s crucial to recognize that the effectiveness of the “They’re here!” sequence transcends the purely vocal. The line is carefully integrated into the film’s overall soundscape, punctuated by unsettling ambient noises and visual cues. The flickering television screen, the growing sense of dread, and the visual manifestation of paranormal activity all contribute to the sequence’s horrifying impact. The sound design, therefore, becomes an integral part of the storytelling, amplifying the fear and suspense that Poltergeist masterfully evokes. Sound design is a powerful narrative tool.
The Legacy of “They’re Here!”
The “They’re here!” line has become a cultural touchstone, frequently parodied and referenced in popular culture. It represents not just the film Poltergeist but also the broader genre of supernatural horror, capturing the feeling of impending doom and the terrifying realization that unseen forces are at play. The sequence remains a masterclass in creating suspense and dread through effective sound design and chilling visual imagery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the “They’re Here!” Line
1. Was Heather O’Rourke the only voice used for “They’re Here!”?
No, while Heather O’Rourke delivered the initial line, her voice was heavily manipulated and layered with other sound elements in post-production. It’s not solely her natural voice that audiences hear.
2. Did Stephen Hunter Flick manipulate Heather O’Rourke’s voice?
Yes, Stephen Hunter Flick, the sound designer, is credited with significantly altering O’Rourke’s original recording using various techniques, including pitch shifting and amplification.
3. What specific techniques were used to distort the voice?
While the exact methods remain somewhat shrouded in sound design secrets, it is believed that pitch shifting, audio layering, and subtle echo effects were employed.
4. Is the voice higher pitched in the final film than Heather O’Rourke’s natural voice?
Yes, the final version of the voice is significantly higher pitched, contributing to its unnerving quality.
5. Why was the voice manipulated in the first place?
The filmmakers wanted to create a sound that was both childlike and inherently unsettling, conveying the presence of something otherworldly and malevolent.
6. Does the “They’re here!” line have any specific significance in the film’s plot?
Yes, the line signals the arrival of malevolent spirits and the escalation of paranormal activity in the Freeling family’s home. It marks a crucial turning point in the narrative.
7. Has the “They’re here!” line been widely parodied or referenced in popular culture?
Yes, the line has become a cultural icon, frequently parodied and referenced in movies, television shows, and other forms of media.
8. Is the “They’re here!” line considered one of the most iconic lines in horror movie history?
Absolutely. It is widely recognized as one of the most memorable and terrifying lines in the genre.
9. Did Tobe Hooper or Steven Spielberg have any input on the sound design of the “They’re here!” line?
Both directors were involved in the overall sound design process, providing feedback and guidance to Stephen Hunter Flick. The final sound was a collaborative effort. Collaboration is key to success.
10. Where can I find the “They’re here!” scene from Poltergeist online?
While easily found on various video-sharing platforms like YouTube, accessing the clip from official sources on digital movie platforms (Amazon Prime, Apple TV) offers the best viewing experience.
11. Are there any interviews with the sound designers or actors discussing the creation of the “They’re here!” line?
While specific deep dives into the exact sound design process of that single line are scarce, interviews with Stephen Hunter Flick and other crew members from Poltergeist often touch upon the importance of sound design and the creation of the film’s atmosphere.
12. What other films feature similarly iconic and unsettling uses of sound design to create horror?
Films like The Exorcist (1973) with its demonic vocalizations, The Ring (2002) with its distorted VHS tape sounds, and Psycho (1960) with its screeching violin score are prime examples of movies utilizing sound to effectively instill fear in audiences.