"We all float down here..." -Pennywise the Dancing Clown

Warning: Spoilers

"IT: 27 Years Later, The Legacy Is Reborn"

When I was 10 (in 1990), a mini-series entitled, "IT" premiered. This story came from the mind of the very talented horror author, Stephen King. All I remembered was the creepy "clown in the sewer" sequence. Maybe that's what many remember most; it is one of the defining scenes, after all. Poor little Georgie. I felt scared for him, and terrified by this odd clown trying to lure him into a storm drain. As if clowns weren't odd enough, now they hang out beneath our feet, dancing around in the sewers! Yuck. Tim Curry donned the freakish and horrifying role of "Pennywise the Dancing Clown" as he labels himself. I love Tim Curry- one of my favorite actors! But...I will say it: clowns are just plain old CREEPY. Serial killer John Wayne Gacey didn't help the creepy clown epidemic when he dressed up as "Pogo the Clown" at children's birthday parties. Yep, I reiterate....clowns are creepy...

However, Pennywise wasn't your average clown, in fact, IT is a shape shifter; taking on any form it desires- hence the name: IT. A couple of years ago, while perusing the net, I found an article stating that there was to be a new version of "IT", and set to release in 2017. Rolling my eyes, I thought, "Oh crap, here we go again!" Storm drains, killer clowns who eat kids, spiders, a spooky house...no interest at ALL. Yet, for some reason I was intrigued about it, even though I told my husband they couldn't pay me to watch it. Never say never, right?

I watched the trailer, looked up the cast and sort of became obsessed, I must admit. Filling Tim Curry's clown shoes wouldn't be easy. So when I saw the name Bill Skarsgård, I had no clue as to who he was. Learning he was from Sweden and his career was taking off here in the states, I wanted to find more pictures of him. I wanted to see the clown. The first picture of Pennywise that was released was...terrifying but yet almost a divide of naivety and evil, wearing what looked to be an almost Renaissance "jester" outfit that looked centuries old, decrepit, and I almost expected moth balls to fall from the frilly discolored sleeves. Due to the discoloration, I'm not very certain as to what shade the costume would originally have been so many centuries ago, however, there are 3 unmistakable red tassel balls adorning the front of his outfit. Due to his height, the pants that match the sleeve's frilly lace, end below his knees, revealing what appears to be some type of leather laced shoes with a matching red tassel ball on each shoe. As I peered closer, I could tell that the actor, Bill Skarsgård, was unbelievably tall: 6'4" to be exact. The hair was bright orange that curled out and up on either side. I could tell prosthetics were added to his head and cheeks, most likely to add to the oddness and child-like facade of him. There were 2 red lines that perfectly streaked down his face starting above the eyebrows, plunged down to his eyes, which were an eerie yellow, continuing up and over porcelain white cherub cheeks, that finally bled into ruby red lips. Clowns usually have a fake red nose that covers their real nose, but not this clever clown- Pennywise's nose is simply painted red on the lower half. And the smile, dear God, the smile...as he peers up with just his creepy eyes, his head stays low or sometimes cocked to the side. His upper lip is then curled up, revealing two pearly white buck teeth. It wasn't a smile that reaches someone's eyes. It was wicked, predatory, and I was fascinated. What I liked about Skarsgård's take of the role was the child-like quality, but yet knowing there was something not quite right. His perfectly white gloved hands holding out an "I Love Derry" balloon, trying to entice children in was almost hypnotic, for lack of a better word. When he was in that state, his eyes were a beautiful shade of blue, to make him come off as innocent as the children he's trying to capture. As the trailers kept coming out, I watched them all, and made the decision to watch the film when it came out to own. Too much of a coward to see it in the theater, we bought the digital copy a few days after it released. Then later on, we bought a physical 4K/blu ray copy.

Personally, the film exceeded my expectations. A few jump scares and gore left me surprised. Director Andy Muschietti sort of kicked it "old school" and didn't make every scene full of blood and guts. He didn't rely on a crap-load of special effects, and in my opinion, showed off the raw talent of the cast- especially the kids. I was amazed at how old Skarsgård was: 25! He did most of his own stunts, and really immersed himself, taking the role head on with fervent vigor.

In the book and mini-series, the story took place in the 1950's in a fictional town called Derry, located in the state of Maine. If you are a fan of Stephen King, you will know many of his stories take place in Maine, and that's where he's from and still lives with his family to this day.

The reboot of "IT" takes place in 1989. Good decision because many of the individuals who flocked to the theaters are around my age, give or take a few years. When I finally got to see it, I must admit, for the first time ever, I liked the remake more than the original. There was more back story with the kids, or as they called themselves, "The Loser's Club." By making this adaptation into two films is allotting more room for all the back story and character depth. I am in no way "dissing" the 1990's mini-series. The FX technology wasn't as advanced, it was made for TV so some of the more intense scenes along with any foul language had to be left out. Tim Curry did a wonderful job, and I have always been a fan of the late John Ritter. If anyone has seen the original, then watches the new one, they really are 2 different films. My advice to anyone is to watch both- they are each entertaining, and even though they have different aspects, viewers can take from each film. I prefer character depth and a psychological approach, and I think that's why I gravitated towards the 2017 version more. The audience gets to see why the outcast children band together, and call themselves, "The Loser's Club." You step into each of their lives, see the main similarities of having somewhat dysfunctional upbringings/home life. Whether you were like one of the kids at that age, or a bystander, even a prep, I'm certain these kids are relatable in some way shape or form. I was left rooting for them; to stand up to their bullies, including Pennywise. Because of their home life and being bullied, these kids are able to face their fears perhaps more easily than others.

Clowns are oftentimes an enigma. What lurks beneath the layers of makeup and bright colored attire? Do they wear it because they can hide a part of themselves: maybe that's what truly makes them terrifying. In our society, Pennywise would be a bully. IT feeds on children's fears. IT detests kids for some reason; maybe because they make for a more vulnerable and easy victim...

"IT" wakes every 27 years, sort of like a bear awakening from their hibernation. Then IT terrorizes the children of Derry. I was in awe of Skarsgård's Pennywise, and think it was nothing short of genius. The way he moved and spoke; even his laugh was tantalizingly terrifying. When I re-watched the 1990 version, Tim Curry seemed like a cross between George Burns with a cigar and an old man from the Bronx. I'm not saying his interpretation was bad. To be fair, I have not yet read the book. That is the next thing to tackle! Was Curry's Pennywise creepy? Yes. However, Skarsgård's was almost mischievous , disturbing, and most effectively, unpredictable. I could never guess how he would come across- child-like, a monster, or both at the same time. The way he bullies the kids aka The Loser's Club, is just shocking but outrageously brilliant. Spoiler alert: when Eddie falls through the floor, breaking his arm, there is an old kitchen that he ends up falling into. There is an old, dusty fridge. Eddie is a germ-a-phobe to say the least. He has asthma, and it seems as though his mother gets into his head, making him think he has all these ailments, when really he's a healthy child- but again, the character depth... Side note: Why are these specific kids seeing the clown? Does someone have or hold a grudge against them? "IT" feeds not only just on the children, but their fears, which my guess is his favorite part. As Pennywise advances on poor, scared Eddie, who is in agony over his broken arm, "IT" states, "Time to float!" The way he walks forward in an overly melodramatic motion that resonates an over the top theater performance, then starts to clutch at his chest, making similar movements an asthmatic person would make, is nothing short of both horrifying and comical. How juvenile, right? To an adult, there would be a "screw you" or middle finger in the air at the cocky clown. However, these kids don't react this way at first. Putting myself in their shoes, I would probably stand frozen in shock! This is where Skarsgård's interpretation shines as having great timing, being able to have the physical agility to do many stunts and also having control over his facial expressions. Having to be segregated from much of the cast (specifically the kids) months until the first scene with him was BEYOND brilliant because when filming, the anticipation of never actually seeing him in costume or "in character", their FIRST TIME reactions would be captured. Hopefully after, they didn't have nightmares because I probably would have. The new Pennywise seems to enjoy playing with its victims before the kill- as a cat would with a mouse. Billy, Georgie's older brother, is dealing with the grief over the disappearance of his young sibling and coming to grips that he will probably never be found...at least alive. Billy has a horrible stutter, and recites a specific passage everyday to help improve his speech impediment. At a certain point in the film, you hear Pennywise mocking Billy's stutter, and even reciting the same practice passage.

The 2017 cast really had great energy and seemed to compliment each other's performance. The director set this version up to release 27 years after the 1990 mini-series came out, which was epic! It makes those of us who saw the mini-series back in the day feel the fear because as you know by now, "IT" hibernates and then begins to wreak havoc. I thought to myself, if they are willing to go that far, I just knew there wouldn't be disappointment.

The second half of the movie will be releasing in 2019. I'm sure there will be hype; all of us fans...just chomping at the bit to see who will be cast as the grown up "Loser's Club." What other tricks will Pennywise have up his puffy, putrid sleeves?

I leave you with this: I can't say all clowns are bad, because that is stereotyping and not fair, however, remember my mention earlier of pondering what really is beneath the makeup and clown suit? If you're an adult, the only thing to worry about would be your children, if you have any. Best to keep watch over the small, innocent, and defenseless. As I write this ending, I envision Pennywise's upper lip curling up into a strange and unnatural smile, his eyes glowing in that animalistic shade of yellow. Don't ever take a balloon from him because "you might float too." Read the book. Watch both films. I am already ecstatic to see part 2 next  year, and you should too!

© 2018, Devon Bell
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