27.01.23
Poltergeist makes for a really interesting rewatch, because it feels like such a different film from the one that I used to watch as a kid, late at night on VHS hidden under my blanket. Although some of the scenes that used to terrify me now seem cheesy and outdated, what’s left is a revealing snapshot of middle class American suburbia, and a portrayal of fear through the eyes of privilege that I did not appreciate at the time. The more you have, the more you have to lose, or be scared of.
What’s also left is the visual spectacle, in particular to some of the film’s mid to late supernatural scenes.In those captivating moments, the score, inventive lighting and convincing performances all stack up and hold up well to this day. It’s a Tobe Hooper film, but it’s got Speilberg written all over it. There is a roster of colourful characters, mostly from the team of ‘supernaturalists’ trying to help the family, and as they get introduced bit by bit, the energy of the film begins to ramp up to a great horror ‘double climax’.
Maybe it’s not as well loved as ET, also from 1982, and I’m pretty sure I have a mild phobia of clowns because of the film, but Poltergeist still delivers. It’s an immensely satisfying ‘family horror’ movie with terrific energy and memorable scares.