Horror films are filled with gory deaths, from masked killers stalking their prey to perfectly timed decapitations. Some of these freaky moments have become legendary, cementing their rightful spots in Hollywood’s horror movie history. However, we are confident that you are unaware of their creation process!
Let’s dive into some of the coolest behind-the-scenes stories that reveal the creativity and dedication that went into crafting these unforgettable moments.
1. “Black Christmas”—The Plastic Bag Kill
In Black Christmas (1974), Clare is the first victim of the mysterious killer Billy, who suffocates her with a plastic bag and leaves her corpse in the attic. Her plastic-wrapped face even appears on the film’s poster. Lynne Griffin, who played Clare, had to act dead for multiple shots but handled the challenge well. She credited her swimming skills for holding her breath and keeping her eyes open. To prevent the bag from fogging up while breathing, the crew adhered it to her face and made small holes in her nose—a chilling detail for such an eerie scene.
2. “The Exorcist”—Defenestration Scene
The climactic window jump in The Exorcist (1973), where Father Karras sacrifices himself, was an impressive stunt by Chuck Waters. Rubber was added to the stone steps to make it safer before Waters leaped—twice. Georgetown residents charged $5 to spectators watching from nearby buildings. Chuck later revealed the secret to this dangerous stunt, which was to relax his body entirely.
3. “Scream”—The Opening Scene
The opening of Scream (1996) is unforgettable, with Drew Barrymore’s character being terrorized and killed by Ghostface. Writer Kevin Williamson drew inspiration from a real-life experience when he thought someone had broken into a house he was house-sitting. A conversation about horror movies during that incident sparked the idea for the scene. Barrymore, originally cast as the protagonist Sidney Prescott, opted for Casey’s role to defy expectations, ensuring viewers wouldn’t see her death coming.
