44 Years Later, Steven Spielberg's Scariest Movie of All Time Is Officially Back on Streaming
The supernatural horror film Poltergeist is on HBO Max, though there's still a debate as to who directed it
In 1982, the horror film Poltergeist, currently accessible on HBO Max, emerged as a prominent addition to the genre. The movie revolves around a suburban family experiencing strange occurrences within their home, ranging from objects moving of their own accord to a mysterious closet portal sucking their youngest child, Carol Anne, into another dimension.
Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist has long been subject to controversy over its directorship. The film's origins began with Spielberg initially intending to create a sci-fi horror movie called Night Skies, but later transformed it into the beloved E.T. Hooper was brought on board to potentially direct Night Skies, but later crafted Poltergeist independently.
Spielberg's involvement in the production, including his hands-on approach compared to Hooper's more subdued style, led to speculation about who truly directed the film. While Hooper's work was more budget-friendly and eerie, Spielberg's influence is evident in the film's family-centered storyline and high production value. Despite disagreements, the collaboration between the two directors is apparent in Poltergeist's unique blend of family warmth and genuine scares, making it a standout 1980s film.
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