Deep diving into the iconic 1990 mini-series IT, which was adapted from the 1986 Stephen King novel, Pennywise: The Story of It explores every inch and corner of the series that spawned a worldwide fear of clowns, as well as beginning from the conception of the series, behind the scenes cast stories including the legendary Tim Curry and of course, the creature design of Pennywise himself. The documentary leaves no drain cover unturned as it immerses viewers into the world of The Losers Club and the murderous trans-dimensional alien clown.
Opening on the author of the original text, Stephen King as he tells a roomful of adoring fans an anecdote about the origin of IT the story, King mentions how just one moment of fear is all that’s needed to change lives and perceptions. And that’s exactly the statement that can sum up the impact that the made-for-tv mini-series has had on the world of horror, with an endurance that has lived on, much like Pennywise himself. Essentially a coming-of-age tale, It documents the fun and scariness of growing up, which is the lens that Pennywise: The Story of IT takes in documenting the journey of this adaptation. From the now grown-up child actors who portrayed the young losers club in the first half of the series reminiscing on their pranks and lack of professionalism, to the very sad cast deaths, this documentary covers absolutely everything there is to know about the 1990 horror.
essential viewing not only for fans of Stephen King, but also for genre film fans and aspiring filmmakers as the documentary offers an insight into the process undertaken to transform the story from page to screen.
A particular highlight of the documentary is its discussion on clowns, their history and why they are just so damn scary and, of course, its inclusion of the celebrated actor Tim Curry, the best Pennywise. Curry recalls his experience with being cast as the terrifying clown that was pivotal in causing an influx of coulrophobia in people. The creature design and special effects used in the death scenes are also of particular note, with fascinating insights given by the artists and engineers behind them, and the actors that undertook them.
Pennywise: The Story of IT is a fascinating and endearing journey into the phenomena that was the 1990s adaptation and is essential viewing not only for fans of Stephen King and IT, but also for genre film fans and aspiring filmmakers as the documentary offers an insight into the process undertaken to transform the story from page to screen.
PENNYWISE: THE STORY OF IT IS OUT ON VOD & DVD/BLU RAY FROM KALEIDOSCOPE HOME ENTERTAINMENT
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