"Poltergeist" is a German word meaning "noisy spirit." Current research indicates, however, that poltergeist activity may have nothing to do with ghosts or spirits. Since the activity seems to center around an individual, it is believed that it is caused by the subconscious mind of that individual. It is, in effect, psychokinetic activity. The individual is often under emotional, psychological or physical stress (even going through puberty). Effects can include rappings on walls and floors, the physical movement of objects, effects on lights and other electric appliances--even the manifestation of physical phenomena (Wagner). Many of these activities occur in the Poltergeist film series. The first Poltergeist film, written by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper, was released in 1982. This classic haunted house story was well-reviewed and included eerie special effects that were considered quite innovative in the early '80s (Dirks). The movie's plot centers around a young family who are visited by ghosts in their home. At first the ghosts appear friendly, moving objects around the house to the amusement of everyone, then the ghosts turn nasty and start to terrorise the family before they kidnap the youngest daughter (Hartill).
- Dirks, Tim. "Poltergeist (1982)." Filmsite. Web. 7 April 2011. http://www.filmsite.org/polt.html.
- Harthill, Rob. "Poltergeist (1982)." Internet Movie Database. Web. 7 April 2011. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084516/
- Wagner, Stephen. "What Is a Poltergeist?" About.com Paranormal Phenomena. Web. 7 April 2011. http://paranormal.about.com/cs/ghosthunting/f/blfaqs_ghosts02.htm
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