Five Oscar Nominations
Between being the year’s highest-grossing film and scoring five Oscar nominations, “Ghost” was a hit. That being said, there was a lot of skepticism before production began. “A lot of people wondered how we were going to mix the comedy and tragedy,” revealed director Jerry Zucker, who made his solo debut as a director with the film. He understood that he had to trust the actors a little more.
A Praise for Goldberg
Goldberg, who received praise for her performance, seemed to hold the movie together. She seemed to have found a role that suited her and made the most of it. Though some critics gave her negative reviews, she went on to win a Golden Globe, an Academy Award, and a BAFTA Award for her performance as Oda Mae Brown.
Making the Character Come to Life
Oda Mae, a psychic con artist’s fake talent of speaking to the dead, turns real when Sam visits her — had audiences obsessed. There was one scene in particular that stood out, the scene in which another spirit posses Oda Mae. Zucker explained, “There was an air pipe connected to a cylinder that would push a huge gust of air up that gown to puff it up,” the scene took a few attempts before Goldberg managed to get through it without jumping or laughing. Goldberg’s expression and energy managed to depict fear, though the scene was humorous in ways. Whoopi played the part so believably; it just made the whole film work. The character was Goldberg’s creation, according to Zucker, and she managed to make it come to life.