The iconic 1958 Plymouth Fury, christened Christine, holds a sinister place in cinematic history. But the “one” car depicted tearing through streets and exacting vengeance was actually a meticulously crafted illusion requiring the sacrifice of multiple vehicles – about 24 in all, though the exact number remains a point of industry debate.
The Illusion of One: Unveiling Christine’s Automotive Actors
John Carpenter’s 1983 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel relied heavily on practical effects and automotive ingenuity. The illusion of a single, self-restoring car was achieved through a complex interplay of different vehicles, each serving a specific purpose in bringing Christine to life. While exact records are scarce and memories fade, the generally accepted estimate places the total number of cars used in the film around 24.
Breakdown of Car Usage: From Beauty Shots to Demolition Derby
Not all 24 cars met the same fate. Some were pristine, used for beauty shots and close-ups, highlighting the Fury’s elegant design. Others were designated “destruction cars,” prepped for head-on collisions, self-inflicted damage sequences, and the infamous self-repair scenes.
The self-repair effect, a cornerstone of Christine’s horror, was achieved through a combination of techniques. Hydraulic rams were used to crumple body panels, and then reversed to “heal” the damage. Additionally, film was sometimes run in reverse to create the illusion of the car reforming itself. Obviously, a different car had to be used for each “healing” sequence.
Beyond the Fury: Other Cars Involved
While Plymouth Furys were the stars, other car models also played supporting roles. Dodge Monacos, frequently used as police cars in the 1980s, were prominently featured in chase scenes. Some claim that a few Belvedere models were also painted red to resemble Furys, although this remains a disputed point amongst automotive experts. Finding Furys in good condition, and in the correct shade of red, was a significant challenge during production.
Unveiling the Truth: FAQs about Christine’s Automotive Cast
Here’s a deeper dive into the intricacies of the vehicles used in Christine, answering frequently asked questions to shed further light on this automotive enigma.
FAQ 1: Why So Many Cars?
The primary reason for needing multiple cars was the sheer amount of destructive stunts. Crashing a car multiple times renders it unusable. To maintain a consistent look throughout filming, multiple vehicles were required. The “self-repairing” effect, while groundbreaking, was also inherently destructive, requiring a fresh car (or at least a freshly dented car) for each take.
FAQ 2: Were All the Cars Actually 1958 Plymouth Furys?
No, not all cars were genuine 1958 Plymouth Furys. The production team struggled to find enough Furys, especially in the correct shade of red (“Fury Red” was actually a 1958-only color), so they resorted to using cheaper and more readily available 1957 and 1958 Plymouth Belvederes and Savoys, painting them to match. These were often used in the more violent destruction scenes. Distinguishing between these models requires a trained eye.
FAQ 3: How Much Did It Cost to Acquire All Those Cars?
Exact figures are difficult to ascertain, but acquiring roughly two dozen classic cars, even in varying states of repair, would have been a significant expense. In the early 1980s, even beat-up Furys were collectable. The cost likely ran into tens of thousands of dollars, representing a substantial portion of the film’s special effects budget. Today, sourcing that many would be significantly more expensive.
FAQ 4: What Happened to the Cars After Filming?
Unfortunately, most of the destruction cars were scrapped after filming wrapped. The cost of repairing them was prohibitive, and many were simply too damaged to be salvaged. However, a few “hero cars” – those used for close-ups and promotional purposes – survived and are now highly sought-after collector’s items.
FAQ 5: How Could They Make the Car Seem to Fix Itself?
The self-repairing effect was a combination of practical effects and clever editing. Hydraulic rams were installed inside the cars to push and pull the metal, creating the illusion of bending and unbending. By filming these actions and then running the film in reverse, the effect of the car repairing itself was achieved.
FAQ 6: Was There Any CGI Used in the Film?
Remarkably, no. All effects in Christine were achieved using practical techniques. This commitment to practical effects is one of the reasons why the film has aged so well and continues to resonate with audiences. The lack of CGI lends a tangible and visceral quality to the horror.
FAQ 7: Are Any of the Christine Cars Still Around Today?
Yes, a few of the “hero cars” still exist and are owned by private collectors. These vehicles are incredibly valuable and represent a significant piece of cinematic and automotive history. Locating and authenticating these cars is a challenging task.
FAQ 8: How Can You Tell a Real Fury from a Belvedere or Savoy?
Several key differences distinguish a 1958 Plymouth Fury from a Belvedere or Savoy. The Fury had distinctive gold trim, a special “Fury” badge, and a unique engine option. Belvederes and Savoys lacked these features. Body trim and interior details also varied. However, these details could be faked for filming purposes, making positive identification difficult.
FAQ 9: Did Stephen King Own a 1958 Plymouth Fury?
While the novel Christine played a significant role in popularizing the 1958 Plymouth Fury, there’s no evidence to suggest Stephen King personally owned one. The car was chosen for its striking appearance and association with a bygone era of American automotive design.
FAQ 10: Where Can I See a Real 1958 Plymouth Fury?
Opportunities to see a genuine 1958 Plymouth Fury are limited, but some classic car museums and automotive shows feature them. Searching online classic car events and auctions is a good starting point. Be prepared to travel and potentially pay an entry fee.
FAQ 11: What Made the 1958 Plymouth Fury So Special?
The 1958 Plymouth Fury was a high-performance car with a distinctive design, characterized by its aggressive styling and powerful engine options. It represented the peak of 1950s American automotive design and was a status symbol for its time. The “Fury Red” color was also unique and highly sought after.
FAQ 12: Is There a Replica Christine I Can Buy?
Yes, building a replica Christine is a popular project for classic car enthusiasts. While finding a genuine 1958 Plymouth Fury can be challenging and expensive, using a 1957 or 1958 Belvedere or Savoy as a base and painting it red is a more accessible option. However, be prepared for the time, effort, and expense involved in creating an accurate replica.
In conclusion, the enduring appeal of Christine lies not just in its terrifying narrative, but also in the dedication and ingenuity of the filmmakers who brought the demonic Fury to life. The tale of the 24 (or so) cars, sacrificed in the name of cinematic horror, is a testament to the power of practical effects and the enduring allure of a classic car possessed by a truly evil spirit.