It (Andrés Muschietti, 2017): A Glorified Adaptation Of a Stephen King Classic

These days it is rather challenging to recreate a classic horror film, but Muschietti does it in a way that few directors have ever accomplished. The adaptation from the original It (Tommy Lee Wallace, 1990) has definitely been appreciated, everyone is darker, gloomier, and even a bit more comedic. Muschietti certainly did the horror fanatics proud to some degree, but looking at it in more depth, there are some factors that could be taken into consideration. The film evidently showed popularity, given that it grossed $482 million worldwide from a budget of $35 million.

Pennywise The Dancing Clown, (Bill Skarsgård) is a lot more sinister and unearthly than the original Pennywise, originally played by Tim Curry. Even though it is now preferred, the adaptation of Pennywise is not quite like the original, the new IT has a lot more dark and sinister connotations. The dark tones of dark blue, grey and black, and the low-key lighting make it a lot more eerie than intended from the audience's perspective. You have to take into consideration that the film is based in the late 80s, so there are also quite a few Easter eggs that are target to audience who grew up in the 80s, or people who are even fans of that era, which personally, I find has a slight comedic aspect to it.

Characterisation isn't too important in this film, but it helps highlights the characters and their role in the whole narrative. Not only this, but costumes and special effects certainly accentuate the fear and evoke terror from the audience. Unfortunately, the new equilibrium at the end of the narrative doesn't convey the same emotions that I believe it should. Sure, the whole "pact" was from the Stephen King Book and the original IT (Tommy Lee Wallace, 1990) but the was it was filmed was a complete juxtaposition to the scene beforehand, which throws off the terror.

Aside from the disappointing ending to the film, it certainly established the codes and conventions of a true horror film exceedingly well, playing on the audiences fear with jump scares and most definitely drawing in the whole target audience, previous fans and new fans. It's safe to say the the sequel will be just as hyped up and popular as the first film.

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