The “It” movie is a horror film based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, first adapted into a television miniseries in 1990. The story centers around the town of Derry, Maine, where a malevolent entity, often taking the form of a terrifying clown named Pennywise, preys on children, feeding on their fears.
Directed by Andy Muschietti, the 2017 adaptation of “It” follows a group of young friends, known as the Losers’ Club, who confront Pennywise and vow to stop its reign of terror. The film alternates between the characters’ childhood experiences in the 1980s and their adulthood in the present day, as they reunite to confront the entity once again.
The film received widespread acclaim for its performances, especially from the young cast portraying the members of the Losers’ Club, and for Bill Skarsgård’s chilling portrayal of Pennywise. The atmospheric tension, combined with well-crafted suspenseful sequences, contributed to its success as a horror film.
“It” proved to be a commercial juggernaut, grossing over $700 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time. Its success led to the release of a sequel, “It Chapter Two,” in 2019, which concludes the story of the Losers’ Club as adults returning to Derry to confront Pennywise once more.
The movie’s success revitalized interest in Stephen King adaptations and contributed to a resurgence in popularity for horror films in mainstream cinema. Its ability to blend horror, nostalgia, and a compelling coming-of-age narrative resonated with audiences, cementing its place as a modern horror classic.
Stephen King and Barack Obama
Here are 13 interesting facts about “It” movie to know more about this horror film.
- Long Development: The adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “It” underwent a lengthy development process before its 2017 release, with various directors and actors attached to the project over the years.
- Bill Skarsgård’s Audition: To prepare for his audition as Pennywise, Bill Skarsgård worked extensively on the character’s distinct voice and developed his own interpretation, distinct from Tim Curry’s portrayal in the 1990 miniseries.
- Child Actors’ Bond: The young actors playing the members of the Losers’ Club grew close during filming, forming genuine friendships that translated into on-screen chemistry, contributing to the authenticity of their performances.
- Pennywise’s Makeup: The intricate makeup for Pennywise took several hours to apply each day and involved prosthetics and intricate detailing to achieve the terrifying clown appearance.
- Practical Effects: Director Andy Muschietti preferred using practical effects over CGI whenever possible to enhance the film’s horror elements, creating a more authentic and immersive experience.
- Balloons Everywhere: The red balloons became an iconic symbol of the movie, representing Pennywise’s presence. They were featured prominently in promotional material and played a pivotal role in the film’s eerie atmosphere.
- Historical References: The setting of the film in the 1980s allowed for nostalgic references to ’80s culture, including movies, music, and fashion, adding layers of depth to the storytelling.
- Real Fear Reactions: Director Muschietti deliberately kept Bill Skarsgård separated from the child actors until their first scene together, aiming to capture authentic fear reactions to Pennywise’s appearance.
- Deleted Scenes: The movie initially included scenes that delved deeper into Pennywise’s origins and backstory, but they were ultimately removed to maintain the mysterious and terrifying nature of the character.
- Record-Breaking Debut: “It” set records for the largest opening weekend for a horror film and surpassed box office expectations, becoming a cultural phenomenon upon its release.
- Stephen King’s Approval: Stephen King, the author of the novel, praised Bill Skarsgård’s performance as Pennywise, expressing his satisfaction with the adaptation of his work.
- Director’s Cut: A director’s cut of the film was later released, featuring additional scenes that further explored character development and the horror elements.
- Impact on Clown Industry: The popularity of the movie had an unintended consequence on professional clowns, as some reported a decline in business due to the association of clowns with Pennywise’s terrifying image.
The “It” movie, with its chilling portrayal of Pennywise and the compelling narrative of the Losers’ Club, etched itself into the annals of horror cinema. Beyond its mastery of suspense and terror, the film captured the essence of Stephen King’s novel, weaving a tale of friendship, childhood fears, and the indomitable spirit of resilience. With an exceptional cast, striking visuals, and a blend of nostalgic ’80s references, it left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. “It” revitalized the horror genre, setting box office records and rekindling interest in Stephen King adaptations. Its success wasn’t just in terrifying audiences—it was in crafting a story that resonated with the complexities of growing up and facing fears, cementing its place as a modern horror classic.
