Which Pennywise is More Terrifying: 1990's or 2017's?

In the world of horror, Stephen King's It has captivated audiences with its chilling tale of the terrifying Pennywise, a shape-shifting demon clowns. Albeit, the versions of Pennywise from the 1990 and 2017 adaptations of It differ significantly in their effectiveness in scaring viewers. Let's explore which Pennywise reigns supreme in terror.

Tim Curry's 1990 Pennywise

Iconic and Memorable: Tim Curry's 1990 version of Pennywise is undoubtedly an icon in the world of horror movies. Although it's often portrayed as a bit comical, Curry's take on the character is undeniably terrifying. His performance is what initially instilled a lasting fear of clowns in many viewers, including myself. The makeup and special effects of the time were merely a stepping stone to the character's true creepiness.

Creepy Yet Entertaining: Despite the sometimes cheesy nature of the 1990s horror-comedy genre, Curry's Pennywise still manages to be hauntingly terrifying. The fear he evokes is rooted in more than just graphic makeup; it's a visceral, almost grotesque sense of horror. Curry's Pennywise can still make you feel goosebumps, even after all these years.

Bill Skarsg?rd's 2017 Pennywise

Dark and Disturbing: When Bill Skarsg?rd took on the role of Pennywise in the 2017 remake, the director and costume designer clearly intended to make the character more terrifying and dark. The new and improved Pennywise is a far cry from its predecessor. In fact, many viewers find the 1990 version to be funny and not at all frightening. Skarsg?rd's portrayal brings a level of eeriness and alien-ness to the character that was missing from Curry's version.

Fortyyears of Ecoe: While Timothy Curry's Pennywise was terrifying in a certain way, the 2017 version brings a new dimension to the character. Skarsg?rd's Pennywise isn't just a clown; he's a nightmarish alien being with a taste for human flesh. This transformation in the character has led to a significant increase in fear among viewers, as the 2017 version of Pennywise feels more real and less comedic.

Comparing the Two Versions

Horror vs. Comedy: Bill Skarsg?rd's Pennywise is more of a horror-type scare. He presents an alien feeling and a sense of inhumanity that makes the character seem almost to come from another world. The 2017 version leaves you feeling uneasy, with a creeping sense that something is not quite right. On the other hand, Tim Curry's Pennywise is more of a comedic horror, where the character's clownish mannerisms can sometimes feel laughable.

Scaring vs. Frightening: Tim Curry's Pennywise is about the fear that comes from a character with a terrifying appearance but who can still be funny. The character's ability to be both scary and ridiculous in a masterful way makes it hard to pass up his performance. Bill Skarsg?rd, however, terrifies by coming across as an inhuman, evil entity. Some viewers might find Skarsg?rd's Pennywise too sexy to be truly terrifying, but his performance is undoubtedly masterful.

Concluding Thoughts

Equal but Different: In my opinion, both versions of Pennywise are equally terrifying but in a different way. While Curry brings the element of the silly and darkly comedic, Skarsg?rd emphasizes the grotesque, unnatural, and otherworldly. The 2017 version leaves a more lasting impact, creating a sense of dread and unease that lingers long after the movie ends.

Both Tim Curry and Bill Skarsg?rd deserve credit for their incredible portrayals of the character. While Curry raised the bar for horror performances in the 1990s, Skarsg?rd brought a new level of terror to the character in the 2017 remake. It has stood the test of time, and its different versions of Pennywise reflect the evolving nature of horror and the limitless talents of the actors who bring these iconic characters to life.