By Kadrolsha Ona Carole
The horror genre has always been a favorite among moviegoers looking for a good scare. While the terrifying on-screen moments are enough to make anyone’s heart race, the behind-the-scenes stories and creepy facts about horror films can be just as chilling. Here are some unsettling truths that might make you rethink your favorite scary movies:
Real Skeletons Used in “Poltergeist”. One of the most famous creepy facts in horror movie history involves the 1982 film “Poltergeist.” The production used real human skeletons as props because they were cheaper than creating fake ones. This decision led to the belief that the film was cursed, as several cast members died under mysterious circumstances after the film’s release.
The Curse of “The Exorcist”. “The Exorcist” (1973) is often regarded as one of the scariest films of all time, but its production was plagued by eerie events. The set burned down under mysterious circumstances, and multiple cast and crew members experienced tragic events, including deaths of close family members. The film’s eerie atmosphere seems to have extended beyond the screen.
“The Omen” and Its Real-Life Horror. The making of “The Omen” (1976) was filled with unsettling occurrences. A plane carrying Gregory Peck, the film’s star, was struck by lightning. Special effects artist John Richardson was involved in a car accident that eerily mirrored a decapitation scene from the film. These events led many to believe that the film was cursed.
Unscripted Moments. Some of the scariest moments in horror films were not planned. For instance, in “The Shining” (1980), Jack Nicholson’s iconic “Here’s Johnny!” line was improvised. The terror on Shelley Duvall’s face was genuine, as director Stanley Kubrick intentionally isolated her and pushed her to her limits to achieve her frantic performance.
Haunted Sets. The set of “The Conjuring” (2013) was reportedly haunted. The real-life Perron family, whose story inspired the film, visited the set, and strange occurrences began, including unexplained noises and objects moving on their own. The cast and crew were so disturbed that a priest was called to bless the set.
The Blair Witch Project’s Realistic Horror. “The Blair Witch Project” (1999) was a groundbreaking film that blurred the lines between fiction and reality. The actors were kept in the dark about many plot details and were subjected to real fear and discomfort during filming. Their genuine reactions contributed to the film’s terrifying realism.
The Ring’s Subliminal Messages. “The Ring” (2002) is known for its haunting imagery and unsettling atmosphere. The videotape within the film contains subliminal messages and eerie images designed to create a sense of unease. Some of these images flash so quickly that they are barely noticeable, but they contribute to the overall feeling of dread.
KO’s Thoughts: Horror films are designed to scare us, but the real-life stories behind their production can be just as terrifying. From curses and haunted sets to unscripted moments of genuine fear, these creepy facts add an extra layer of horror to our favorite scary movies. Next time you watch a horror film, remember that the true story behind the scenes might be even more chilling than what you see on screen.