The Dark Side of Remakes: A Critical Look at 'It' Canon

When discussing horror remakes, 'It' (2017) stands as a notable example where the transition from page to screen has left many fans questioning the film's staying power and overall impact. This article delves into the anxiety, disappointment, and other challenges that arise from remaking an iconic literary piece.

Unexpected Elements and Market Expectations

The adaptation of Stephen King's It, published in 1986, faced specific challenges when adapting to cinema. The book's finale, involving a 12-year-old girl engaging in a series of graphic and morally ambiguous acts in the sewers, was a difficult element to translate to screen. This particular scene has stirred significant discussion and cries of blasphemy from the community, with many fans voicing concerns over the authenticity and handling of the material.

Adolescent Sequences and Realism

One of the most controversial aspects of the adaptation was the exposure of younger actors. Sophia Lillis's character, Beverly Marsh, aged around 14 or 15 during filming, portrayed scenes that would have been inappropriate for her age. These scenes have raised ethical concerns, with critics arguing that the film should have either altered or omitted these sequences entirely. The inclusion of such content has been seen as an attempt to attract an adult audience or to cater to contemporary sensibilities.

The filmmakers originally considered using the original book's ending, which involved Beverly experiencing a complex and emotionally challenging act with three men in the sewers. This decision further polarized the audience. For many, it represented a disjointed approach to the source material, risking the film's integrity and authenticity.

Marketing Hurdles and Consumer Perception

Marketing is a crucial aspect of any remake, and 'It' (2017) faced criticisms for its overly ambitious approach. The film was marketed as both a thrilling adventure and an edgy, dark tale. However, this dual approach often leads to confusion among viewers, who are left wondering whether to expect a faithful adaptation or a reimagining of the story. This inconsistency can be detrimental to a film's reception and long-term legacy.

The marketing hype surrounding the film also played a significant role in shaping consumer perception. With weekly buzz and trailers promising the most extreme and disturbing content, many audience members approached the film with heightened expectations. Upon realizing that the execution did not live up to these promises, such disappointment can be palpable, leading to a sense of letdown.

Comparative Analysis: Original vs. Remake

Tim Curry's portrayal of Pennywise in the 1990 TV miniseries is often cited as a benchmark for the character's sinister presence. Curry's performance was renowned for its dark humor, menacing tone, and captivating dialogue. Conversely, the 2017 remake suffered from a more mundane and less menacing depiction, lacking the same level of menace and unpredictability.

Another significant point of contention is the use of CGI in the film. Many viewers, including the critic, found the relentless use of CGI to be distracting and jarring. The overuse of CGI often makes the audience question the authenticity of the scenes, preferring the rawness and tangible danger of a large cast of extras.

Conclusion

Remake horror movies, such as the 2017 version of 'It', often face challenges in striking a balance between staying true to the source material and satisfying contemporary audiences. While the film garnered praise for its production values and visual effects, it also faced criticism for its handling of controversial themes and its deviation from the original source.

In the end, whether a remake succeeds or fails depends heavily on how well it manages to reverence the original material while also appealing to a new generation of viewers. 'It' (2017) ended up as a somewhat insipid and politically correct adaptation, failing to fully capture the raw and terrifying essence of its source material.

Ultimately, the success of a remake like this hinges on how well it connects with its audience and whether it respects and honors the original work. 'It' (2017) falls short in these areas, leaving a lasting impression of a watered-down version of its predecessor.