Stephen King’s IT is one of the most iconic horror stories ever told. Adapted twice, first as a 1990 TV miniseries and then as a two-part blockbuster in 2017 and 2019, the tale of Pennywise the Dancing Clown has left an indelible mark on horror cinema. But which version is truly scarier? Let's compare the two adaptations based on their atmosphere, performances, effects, and storytelling.
The 1990 Miniseries: A Classic Horror Experience
Overview
Title: IT (TV Miniseries)
Release Date: November 18, 1990
Director: Tommy Lee Wallace
Screenplay: Lawrence D. Cohen, Tommy Lee Wallace
Based on: IT (1986 novel by Stephen King)
Network: American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
Budget: $12 million
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%
Plot Summary
Set in the town of Derry, Maine, the 1990 IT miniseries tells the story of seven children who are terrorized by an evil entity that manifests as Pennywise the Clown. The entity preys on their fears, and after an intense battle, the kids vow to return if it ever resurfaces. Thirty years later, they reunite to confront their childhood nightmare once more.
Cast and Characters
Tim Curry as Pennywise the Clown
Tony Dakota as Georgie Denbrough
Seth Green as Young Richie Tozier
Brandon Crane as Young Ben Hanscom
John Ritter as Adult Ben Hanscom
Annette O'Toole as Beverly Marsh
Tim Reid as Mike Hanlon
Richard Masur as Stanley Uris
Dennis Christopher as Eddie Kaspbrak
Harry Anderson as Adult Richie Tozier
Why the 1990 IT Miniseries is Scary
Tim Curry's Performance: Curry's portrayal of Pennywise remains one of the most terrifying aspects of the miniseries. His mix of humor and horror makes for an unsettling antagonist.
Psychological Horror: The series relies more on psychological tension and storytelling rather than excessive jump scares.
Atmosphere: The eerie, low-budget feel adds to the creepiness, making it feel like a nightmare come to life.
Storm Drain Scene: The opening sequence with Georgie and Pennywise in the storm drain is still one of the most iconic horror moments.
Limited CGI: The practical effects, while dated, add a rawness that modern CGI sometimes lacks.
Criticisms of the 1990 Miniseries
The special effects, especially in the final battle, haven’t aged well.
Some performances feel overly theatrical due to the TV format.
The horror elements were toned down to fit network television standards.
The 2017 Film: A Modern Horror Epic
Overview
Title: IT (2017)
Release Date: September 8, 2017
Director: Andy Muschietti
Screenplay: Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga, Gary Dauberman
Based on: IT (1986 novel by Stephen King)
Budget: $35 million
Box Office: $701.8 million
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Plot Summary
The 2017 film follows the same core story but modernizes it. It focuses on the first half of the novel, telling the story of the Losers' Club as kids in 1988. The sequel, IT Chapter Two (2019), covers their return as adults.
Cast and Characters
Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Clown
Jaeden Martell as Bill Denbrough
Sophia Lillis as Beverly Marsh
Finn Wolfhard as Richie Tozier
Jeremy Ray Taylor as Ben Hanscom
Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie Kaspbrak
Chosen Jacobs as Mike Hanlon
Wyatt Oleff as Stanley Uris
Why the 2017 IT is Scarier
Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise: His unsettling movements, eerie voice, and disturbing expressions make him a nightmarish figure.
Cinematic Quality: The film benefits from a bigger budget, delivering stunning visuals and more immersive horror elements.
Intense Horror Sequences: From the projector scene to Pennywise’s contorted appearances, the film has no shortage of terror.
More Violence and Gore: Unlike the 1990 version, the R-rating allows for more graphic depictions of Pennywise’s brutality.
Enhanced Special Effects: The CGI helps create terrifying, surreal sequences, such as Pennywise’s mouth full of sharp teeth.
Criticisms of the 2017 Film
Some argue it relies too much on jump scares.
The humor, particularly from Richie, sometimes undercuts the horror.
The CGI, while impressive, may feel excessive to fans of practical effects.
Which is Scarier: 1990 or 2017?
Both versions have their strengths, but the answer depends on the viewer’s preferences:
For Classic Horror Fans: The 1990 miniseries offers a psychological, slow-burn terror with a legendary performance by Tim Curry.
For Modern Horror Fans: The 2017 film delivers intense scares, modern visuals, and a terrifyingly fresh take on Pennywise.
Which Version is Scarier?
Feature | IT (1990) | IT (2017) |
---|---|---|
Pennywise | Tim Curry’s performance is psychological and unsettling. | Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise is more monstrous and jump-scare driven. |
Atmosphere | More nostalgic and eerie. | Darker, grittier, and visually terrifying. |
Storytelling | Closely follows King’s novel. | Some changes from the book, with a focus on scares. |
Horror Style | Psychological horror with slow-building dread. | Intense horror with jump scares and CGI effects. |
Special Effects | Limited due to TV budget. | High-end CGI and practical effects. |
Final Verdict
If you prefer psychological horror and a creepy, theatrical villain, IT (1990) is for you.
If you enjoy intense, modern horror with terrifying visuals, IT (2017) is the better choice.
If you appreciate nostalgia, psychological horror, and classic storytelling, the 1990 miniseries might be your pick. However, if you prefer high-octane scares, brutal horror, and stunning visuals, the 2017 film will likely be your favorite. Either way, Stephen King’s IT remains one of the most terrifying stories ever adapted to screen.
FAQs About Stephen King’s IT
1. Where can I watch the original IT miniseries (1990)?
You can stream IT (1990) on Amazon Prime Video, or purchase it on DVD and Blu-ray.
2. Is IT (1990) scarier than IT (2017)?
It depends on your preference. The 1990 version is more psychological, while the 2017 version is more visually and emotionally intense.
3. Is IT (1990) suitable for kids?
Due to its horror elements, it is not recommended for young children. It may be suitable for teenagers depending on their sensitivity to horror.
4. What makes Pennywise so scary?
Pennywise preys on fear, taking the form of the victim's worst nightmare. His unpredictability and eerie presence make him terrifying in both adaptations.
5. Is Pennywise male or female?
Pennywise is technically genderless, as it is an ancient cosmic entity, though it commonly takes on the form of a male clown.
6. Are there any sequels to these adaptations?
Yes, IT (2017) has a sequel, IT Chapter Two (2019), which focuses on the adult Losers' Club. The 1990 miniseries covers the entire story in two parts.
7. What is the scariest scene in both versions?
IT (1990): The storm drain scene where Pennywise lures Georgie.
IT (2017): The projector scene where Pennywise emerges in giant form.
8. Will there be another IT movie?
While IT Chapter Two concluded the main story, there are talks of potential spin-offs or prequels exploring Pennywise's origins.
In the end, both versions of IT offer their own unique brand of horror. Whether you prefer the nostalgic charm of the 1990 miniseries or the terrifying modern take of the 2017 adaptation, IT remains one of the most unforgettable horror tales ever brought to the screen.
No comments:
Post a Comment