The Poltergeist franchise consists of four theatrical films and a remake. The original trilogy, released in the 1980s, captivated audiences with its blend of suburban horror and supernatural terror, while later installments attempted to recapture that magic with varying degrees of success.
The Original Trilogy: A Cultural Phenomenon
The Poltergeist saga began in 1982 with a film that redefined the haunted house genre. Directed by Tobe Hooper (though often attributed to Steven Spielberg, who produced and co-wrote it), Poltergeist introduced us to the Freeling family and their terrifying ordeal with malevolent spirits. The film was a critical and commercial triumph, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and solidifying its place in horror history. Its success spawned two sequels:
Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)
This sequel saw the Freeling family relocate to Arizona to escape the haunting, only to be confronted by even more sinister forces, led by the menacing Reverend Henry Kane. While not as critically acclaimed as the original, Poltergeist II expanded upon the mythology and delved deeper into the spiritual realm.
Poltergeist III (1988)
The final installment of the original trilogy transported Carol Anne Freeling to Chicago, where she lived with her aunt and uncle in a high-rise building. However, the malevolent Kane continued to pursue her, turning the skyscraper into a terrifying battleground. Poltergeist III is generally considered the weakest entry in the series, facing criticism for its reliance on special effects and the absence of key cast members.
The Remake: A Modern Retelling
In 2015, a remake of the original Poltergeist was released. While it attempted to update the story for a modern audience, it failed to capture the same magic and critical acclaim as its predecessor. The remake received largely negative reviews, with many critics finding it uninspired and lacking the original’s emotional depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Poltergeist Franchise
These FAQs address common questions about the Poltergeist films, offering deeper insights and context.
FAQ 1: Who Directed the Original Poltergeist?
While Steven Spielberg had significant creative input as a producer and co-writer, the officially credited director of the original Poltergeist is Tobe Hooper.
FAQ 2: What is the “Poltergeist Curse”?
The “Poltergeist Curse” refers to a series of tragic events that plagued the cast of the Poltergeist films, most notably the untimely deaths of child actors Dominique Dunne (Dana Freeling in the original) and Heather O’Rourke (Carol Anne Freeling). These deaths fueled rumors of a real-life curse associated with the films.
FAQ 3: What Was the Budget for the Original Poltergeist?
The original Poltergeist had a production budget of approximately $10.7 million. It went on to gross over $121 million worldwide.
FAQ 4: What Made the Original Poltergeist So Scary?
Several factors contributed to the original Poltergeist‘s enduring horror. These include its realistic depiction of a suburban family, its effective use of practical effects, its exploration of primal fears, and its unsettling depiction of the supernatural invading the mundane. The film successfully blended suburban realism with supernatural terror, creating a uniquely frightening experience.
FAQ 5: Is the Remake Worth Watching?
Opinions vary, but the 2015 Poltergeist remake is generally considered inferior to the original. While it offers some visual updates and attempts to modernize the story, it lacks the emotional resonance and genuine scares of the original film.
FAQ 6: What Was the Role of Reverend Henry Kane in the Poltergeist Series?
Reverend Henry Kane, played by Julian Beck and Brian O’Connor in Poltergeist II, is the primary antagonist of the second film and has a minor role in Poltergeist III. He represents the evil force behind the haunting and serves as a terrifying embodiment of religious fanaticism and the dangers of spiritual corruption. He’s a key figure in the overarching mythology of the series.
FAQ 7: Why Was There No Poltergeist IV Until the Remake?
After the disappointing reception of Poltergeist III and the tragic deaths of key cast members, the franchise was put on hold for many years. It took over two decades for producers to consider reviving the series with a remake. The perceived “curse” surrounding the films likely also played a role in the delay. There was no enthusiasm for a direct sequel.
FAQ 8: Did Heather O’Rourke Know She Was Sick While Filming Poltergeist III?
Sadly, Heather O’Rourke became ill during the filming of Poltergeist III. While initially misdiagnosed, she tragically passed away from septic shock due to congenital stenosis of the intestine before the film’s release. Her passing added to the tragic aura surrounding the franchise.
FAQ 9: Where Was the Original Poltergeist House Located?
The house used for exterior shots in the original Poltergeist is located at 4267 Roxbury Street, Simi Valley, California. It remains a popular destination for fans of the film.
FAQ 10: What Were Some of the Controversies Surrounding the Making of the Original Poltergeist?
Controversies included allegations that Steven Spielberg heavily directed the film despite Tobe Hooper being credited as the director. There were also concerns about the use of real skeletons in some scenes, which added to the mystique and controversy surrounding the film. The claims of Spielberg’s “ghost directing” still persist.
FAQ 11: How Did Special Effects Contribute to the Success of the Poltergeist Films?
The Poltergeist films were groundbreaking in their use of special effects, particularly for the time. Practical effects, such as the collapsing walls and the terrifying clown doll, played a significant role in creating a sense of realism and terror. The special effects elevated the films beyond simple jump scares, creating a truly immersive and unsettling experience. The innovative visual effects were a key component to the franchise’s initial popularity.
FAQ 12: Is there a Poltergeist TV Series?
Yes, there was a Poltergeist: The Legacy TV series that aired from 1996 to 1999. However, it is distinct from the film franchise and, while sharing a similar theme of battling supernatural entities, it doesn’t feature the Freeling family or directly connect to the events of the Poltergeist films. It focused on a secret society fighting evil.
In conclusion, while the Poltergeist legacy has been somewhat tarnished by later entries, the original trilogy remains a cornerstone of horror cinema, and the impact of those films cannot be overstated. Four theatrically released Poltergeist movies, combined with the legacy of the original trilogy, solidify its place in horror history.