Stephen King’s “Christine,” brought to life on the silver screen by director John Carpenter, remains a chilling testament to the power of obsession and the allure of the supernatural. At the heart of this terrifying tale is Christine herself, a seemingly sentient 1958 Plymouth Fury with a malevolent agenda. But how many distinct vehicles were sacrificed in the creation of this automotive horror icon? The short answer: around 24 cars were used, although estimates sometimes reach 26, to portray the deadly Fury across various stages of decay and regeneration. This number includes “hero” cars, stunt doubles, and vehicles specifically designated for destruction.
The Making of a Monster: Crafting Christine’s Look
Creating a believable, seemingly alive car that could perform stunts, self-repair, and project an undeniable aura of evil was no easy feat. The filmmakers faced several challenges. The Fury was a rare car even in 1983, and finding enough suitable models was a significant hurdle. They cleverly used less expensive, readily available Plymouth Belvederes and Savoys to supplement the Fury roles, painting them to match Christine’s unique “Fury Red” exterior and equipping them with Fury trim.
Sourcing the Fury: A Nationwide Hunt
The production crew embarked on a nationwide search to locate Plymouth Furys. Ads were placed in car magazines and local newspapers, offering competitive prices for any 1958 Fury they could find. The allure of Hollywood helped, but many owners were understandably reluctant to part with their classic cars. This resulted in the purchase of a combination of well-maintained vehicles and those requiring significant restoration.
Distinguishing the Real Deal: Fury vs. Belvedere/Savoy
While Belvederes and Savoys were modified to resemble Furys, subtle differences existed. The most noticeable distinction was the side trim. Furys featured distinctive gold anodized trim, which had to be meticulously replicated on the other models. Experienced car enthusiasts could identify the fakes, but the average moviegoer remained blissfully unaware. This allowed the filmmakers to maximize their resources and minimize the destruction of genuine Furys.
Christine’s Many Faces: The Roles Each Car Played
The 24-ish cars weren’t just identical stand-ins. Each vehicle was meticulously assigned a specific role, allowing the special effects team to focus their efforts and budget. Some cars were designated as “hero” cars, used for close-up shots and interior scenes. Others were specifically prepared for stunts or destruction sequences.
The “Hero” Cars: Beauty Shots and Dialogue
These were the most pristine examples of the 1958 Plymouth Fury (or convincingly converted Belvederes/Savoys). They were used for beauty shots, close-ups of the interior, and scenes where actors interacted directly with the car. Maintaining their appearance was paramount, ensuring Christine always looked menacingly beautiful on screen.
The “Stunt” Cars: Controlled Chaos
These vehicles were equipped with reinforced frames, modified suspensions, and other safety features to withstand the rigors of stunt work. They were used for scenes involving high speeds, jumps, and near-collisions. Often, these cars underwent significant damage during filming, requiring constant repair or, eventually, complete replacement.
The “Destruction” Cars: The Ultimate Sacrifice
These cars were specifically designated for scenes involving crashes, explosions, and other forms of irreversible damage. They were often the most dilapidated examples found, making their destruction less painful for classic car enthusiasts. These cars endured the brunt of Christine’s on-screen fury, ensuring the “hero” and “stunt” cars remained relatively unscathed.
The Allure of Christine: Why the Number Matters
The number of cars used in “Christine” isn’t just a trivial statistic. It speaks to the commitment of the filmmakers to create a believable and terrifying antagonist. It highlights the challenges involved in bringing a supernatural character to life using practical effects. And it underscores the enduring appeal of classic cars, even when they’re portrayed as agents of evil. The use of so many cars reveals the complexities of filmmaking and the lengths to which artists will go to craft a compelling story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Christine and Her Cars
Q1: Were all the cars used in “Christine” genuine 1958 Plymouth Furys?
No. While some were authentic Furys, the majority were Plymouth Belvederes and Savoys, modified to resemble the Fury. This was due to the rarity and cost of genuine Furys, even in the early 1980s.
Q2: What was the “Fury Red” color actually called?
The specific shade of red used on Christine was a custom mix formulated by the film’s paint technicians. It was designed to be vibrant and menacing on camera. While close to the actual Fury color of Buckskin Beige with Fury Gold trim, it was a uniquely crafted hue.
Q3: How did they make the car appear to repair itself?
The self-repairing effect was achieved using a combination of practical effects. Footage of the car being damaged was filmed in reverse, and then played backward, creating the illusion of metal reshaping itself. Hydraulic rams were also used to push dents out from the inside.
Q4: Where are the “Christine” cars now?
Some of the cars used in the film are believed to have been destroyed during filming. However, a few surviving vehicles are in private collections and occasionally appear at car shows and auctions. Their provenance is often highly valued by collectors.
Q5: How much did it cost to acquire and modify the cars for “Christine”?
Estimates vary, but it’s believed that the production spent several hundred thousand dollars on acquiring and modifying the cars. This included the purchase price, bodywork, painting, mechanical repairs, and special effects modifications.
Q6: What engine did the “Christine” cars have?
The engine varied depending on the car’s role. Some had the original 350 cu in “Golden Commando” V8, while others were equipped with less powerful engines, particularly in the stunt cars. The focus was on reliability and performance for the specific scene being filmed.
Q7: Did John Carpenter have a personal connection to classic cars?
While Carpenter is primarily known for his directing, he appreciated the aesthetic and cultural significance of classic cars. Choosing a 1958 Fury as the protagonist was a deliberate decision to tap into the nostalgia and allure of that era.
Q8: How did they make the headlights appear to “glow” with evil intent?
The effect was achieved through a combination of lighting and camera techniques. Special reflectors and filters were used to create a more intense and menacing glow in the headlights, enhancing Christine’s malevolent persona.
Q9: Was the car’s license plate (CQB 241) a reference to anything specific?
While there are various theories, the exact meaning of the license plate number remains a mystery. Some speculate it was a reference to a crew member’s initials or a random combination chosen for its visual appeal.
Q10: Are there any differences between the book version of Christine and the movie version?
Yes, there are several key differences. In the book, Christine’s malevolence is more gradual and subtle. The film exaggerates her power and aggression, making her a more overtly menacing character. The ending also differs slightly.
Q11: Has the “Christine” movie influenced other films and TV shows featuring possessed cars?
Undoubtedly. “Christine” set a precedent for portraying cars as malevolent entities, influencing subsequent films and TV shows featuring possessed vehicles. It cemented the idea of a car as a character with its own personality and agenda.
Q12: What makes “Christine” such an enduring horror classic?
“Christine” resonates with audiences because it taps into universal fears of obsession, loss of control, and the dangers of technology. The car itself becomes a symbol of these anxieties, embodying the seductive and destructive power of unchecked desire. The film’s practical effects, combined with Carpenter’s masterful direction, create a truly terrifying and unforgettable cinematic experience.