Steven Spielberg's 1982 supernatural horror film Poltergeist, now available for streaming on HBO Max, continues to spark debate regarding its true director. While Tobe Hooper is officially credited, many speculate that Spielberg, who also produced the film, played a more significant directorial role.
The Genesis of Poltergeist
The film, which follows a suburban family terrorized by supernatural forces and the disappearance of their youngest daughter, Carol Anne, into another dimension, has roots in Spielberg's earlier project, "Night Skies." Initially conceived as a sci-fi horror film about aliens terrorizing a family, Spielberg later reworked the concept into the more family-friendly E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. However, the darker themes of "Night Skies" were reportedly adapted by Hooper, who either transformed the script into Poltergeist or brought his own ideas for the film, substituting ghosts for aliens.
Conflicting Accounts of Direction
Production on Poltergeist began with Hooper as director while Spielberg was working on E.T. However, Spielberg's frequent presence on set and his hands-on approach fueled speculation. John Leonetti, a camera assistant on the film, claimed Spielberg was the primary director. Conversely, stars JoBeth Williams and Craig T. Nelson have affirmed Hooper's directorial role, though acknowledging Spielberg's extensive involvement as producer. Zelda Rubinstein, who played medium Tangina Barrons, suggested a collaborative effort with Spielberg holding slightly more authority.
Spielberg himself commented in a 1982 interview that Hooper was not a "take-charge sort of guy" and that he often provided direction when questions arose. This dynamic, coupled with the concurrent release of Poltergeist and E.T. during what was dubbed "Spielberg Summer," led to MGM and United Artists heavily promoting Spielberg's name. The Director's Guild investigated the matter, finding that the studio had diminished Hooper's credit and subsequently fined them.
Stylistic Clues and Lingering Questions
Stylistic analysis also contributes to the debate. The film's polished suburban family focus is often attributed to Spielberg, while its more gruesome and horrifying moments are seen as characteristic of Hooper's work, as exemplified in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. However, Poltergeist was Hooper's first film with a budget comparable to Spielberg's, potentially allowing for a more refined execution of his vision.
The film's most terrifying sequences, such as the investigator peeling off his face and the mother falling into a pit of bodies, are frequently cited as examples of Hooper's distinct directorial style. Ultimately, the collaborative nature of Poltergeist, blending Spielberg's accessible family elements with Hooper's horror sensibilities, is evident in the final product. The film's masterful tension, a hallmark of both directors' work in films like Jaws and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, further solidifies its status as a unique collaboration. Had they been credited as co-directors, the controversy might have been avoided decades ago. Nevertheless, Poltergeist remains a standout horror film of the 1980s, appealing to fans of both directors.
Poltergeist is currently available to stream on HBO Max.