Poltergeist Soundtrack

In 1982, the world of horror cinema was forever changed with the release of “Poltergeist.” Directed by Tobe Hooper and co-written and produced by the visionary Steven Spielberg, the film was lauded not only for its visual effects and compelling narrative but also for its musical score. It’s hard to imagine the eerie atmosphere and the tension-filled moments of “Poltergeist” without its iconic soundtrack playing in the background.

Jerry Goldsmith, the genius behind the music of “Poltergeist,” is no stranger to the world of film scores. By 1982, Goldsmith had already cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after composers, with a penchant for creating memorable themes and an ability to seamlessly blend various musical genres. With “Poltergeist,” Goldsmith was handed the challenge of capturing the essence of a story that oscillated between the ordinary and the supernatural, the tangible and the ethereal.

He wanted to capture the juxtaposition of the peaceful suburban life and the supernatural chaos that disrupts it. From the innocence of the Freeling family’s suburban life to the chilling revelations of the supernatural, Goldsmith’s compositions are crafted to reflect each narrative beat.

It’s said that Steven Spielberg had immense admiration for Goldsmith. His dedication and talent were recognized when he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score for “Poltergeist.”