The modern recreation of Stephen King ’s book “It” (2017) realeased Sept. 18.
“It” is a horror movie in the truest sense. In the film, the small New England town of Derry is mercilessly haunted by Pennywise, the dancing clown (Bill Skarsgård).
Fans of the original film adaptation will be glad to know that, though very different in approach, the 2017 version is similar in content to the two-part film from 1990.
One of the major differences between the 1990 and 2017 version rises from a focus on the group, known as The Loser’s Club, as children. Instead of trying to include the adult versions of the group in the same film, the children remain the same age throughout. This focus on the children allows for more in-depth storytelling, utilizing the personal lives of the individual characters.
Another feature that is slightly different from the original is the genre. The original adaptation tends to turn from horror into sci-fi occasionally, especially with the use of special effects from the era in which the film was produced.
The new film is an uncompromising epitome of the horror genre. It uses its effects within the confines of traditional horror. There are no beams of light being shot, as in the original, but twisted, gnarled and vicious figures appear throughout, seeking to unsettle the audience.
Mayu Fukasawa, senior music performance major, said while discussing the creepy nature of the film, that she wanted to cover her eyes for a large section of the movie.
“If you’re gonna see ‘It,’ bring a blanket,” Fukasawa said.
Warner Brothers drastically revamped the visual aspects of this film, specifically regarding Pennywise. Skarsgård brings new life to the character Pennywise. His take on this classic character grotesquely dissociates Pennywise from humanity. Skarsgård turns Pennywise the dancing clown into an object of fear appropriately named “It.”
Tim Curry, who portrayed Pennywise in the 1990 film adaptation, realized the character with more human characteristics. Though terrifying in its own right, the character from 1990 is represented as a sort of broken human in comparison to Skarsgård’s unearthly depiction of “It” as a ceaseless force.
Like the original film, the modern version will also be realized in two parts.
Adeleigh Sexton, sophomore music performance major, said after seeing the recent first part in theaters, she would see the second part when it comes out.
“The first one ended with a cliffhanger and since I’ve read the book I know there’s a lot more that needs to happen,” Sexton said.“I hope the camaraderie and jokes stick around when they’re older,” Sexton said.
The second installment of “It” is set to release in 2019 in an attempt to continue to haunt audiences.
