Why Did Poltergeist Dominate the Box Office in 1982?

In 1982, the horror film world was captivated by 'Poltergeist' when it was released, coinciding with another celebrated Spielberg production, 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.' Given the summer of 1982 was dubbed the 'Summer of Spielberg,' it was initially assumed that 'Poltergeist' would also be a blockbuster hit. However, its success wasn't simply due to the director's name; there were strategic, creative, and production reasons underpinning its box office dominance.

Steven Spielberg's Involvement

Why Would 'They Be Here?" is a haunting line often associated with the film. Underlying the success of 'Poltergeist' was the intense involvement of Steven Spielberg, who sought a significant role both in the writing and the production of the movie.

Spielberg's Visionary Role

Originally, the film was conceived as a horror sequel to 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' However, after collaborating with Tobe Hooper, Spielberg recognized the need to transform it into a ghost story. This strategic pivot was necessitated by the ghost and paranormal thriller trends that were gaining popularity in the early 1980s.

Control and Collaboration

Spielberg's involvement extended beyond his creative vision—it also included significant control over the production. In the process of writing the screenplay, Spielberg became deeply invested, often directing the film from the set, sometimes even during the production of 'E.T.' despite contractual terms prohibiting him from doing so. His enthusiasm was palpable, leading to a highly polished and meaningful production that resonated with audiences.

Tobe Hooper's Impact

Tobe Hooper, known for his work on 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,' brought a unique and powerful edge to 'Poltergeist.' Hooper's role was crucial in making 'Poltergeist' more than just a conventional ghost story. His visionary direction infused the film with the genre-defining elements of suspense, fear, and the supernatural that audiences were craving.

The Balance of Control

While Spielberg was the dominant figure, Hooper's contributions were vital. He had a significant say in the film's direction and did not hesitate to make decisions that aligned with what he believed would be best for the project. Hooper's previous experience as a master of the slasher genre allowed him to infuse 'Poltergeist' with a chilling and intense atmosphere that captivated viewers.

The Summer of Spielberg

The success of 'Poltergeist' during 'the Summer of Spielberg' was also influenced by the concurrent release of 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.' Together, these films created a cultural buzz that boosted the box office for both movies. The summer was ripe for sci-fi and horror genres, and 'Poltergeist' fit seamlessly into this cultural landscape.

The Strategic Release Timing

The release date of 'Poltergeist' was carefully chosen to capitalize on the cultural momentum generated by other summer blockbusters. By aligning the film with the phenomenon of the 'Summer of Spielberg,' studio executives were able to maximize its potential. The marketing was equally strategic, using the hype around 'E.T.' to create a sense of excitement and anticipation for 'Poltergeist.'

Conclusion

While 'Poltergeist' was undoubtedly a masterpiece of its own right, its success was the result of a complex interplay of factors. From Steven Spielberg's visionary direction to Tobe Hooper's expertlyToAdd more depth, allow for a wider understanding of the context in which the film was produced and released.

The box office dominance of 'Poltergeist' in 1982 was not just a testament to its quality but also to the strategic and creative choices made by its creators. It set the tone for future collaborations and cemented its place in the history of horror films, much like 'E.T.' did for science fiction.