On this episode, we took a deep dive into the dark history and lingering curses of Hollywood horror, bookended by our discussions on the current true crime phenomenon and serial killer fascination. We take a deep dive into the Poltergeist film franchise, dissecting its plot, production details, and the infamous "Poltergeist Curse," which we connected to the tragic, untimely deaths of multiple cast members. We explored the unsettling on-set tales, including a near-choking accident with a toy clown and the use of real human skeletons as props, alongside the reported exorcism performed by actor Will Sampson to cleanse the set's perceived negative energy. This central discussion led us to an examination of other supposedly cursed films like The Exorcist and a debate over the very existence of such cinematic misfortune.
We wrapped up by turning our attention to audience reactions and film rankings. We recalled the controversial initial reception to The Exorcist and noted how Psycho pioneered scheduled showtimes to maintain plot integrity. Finally, we shared our Top 5 Horror Movie lists, revealing a mutual respect for both the high-budget scares of The Conjuring and the psychological terror of classics like The Exorcist. A quick debate comparing the merits of Paranormal Activity versus The Blair Witch Project, with plans to pivot to a session focusing on tarot and astrology for our next recording.
