The film IT (2017), the first chapter in the two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s epic horror novel, has a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes). IT: Chapter Two (2019), the concluding part, clocks in at 2 hours and 49 minutes (169 minutes).
Exploring the Runtimes of IT
Stephen King’s IT is a behemoth of a novel, so naturally, any adaptation faces the challenge of condensing that sprawling story into a manageable cinematic experience. Understanding the individual runtimes and the context surrounding those lengths is crucial for planning your viewing experience.
IT (2017): A Closer Look
The 2017 IT movie, directed by Andy Muschietti, focuses on the childhood encounter of the Losers’ Club with Pennywise the Dancing Clown. At 135 minutes, it manages to capture the essence of the novel’s first half, focusing heavily on character development and building the chilling atmosphere that defines the story. While some plot points are streamlined or omitted, the core narrative remains intact.
IT: Chapter Two (2019): The Adult Losers Return
IT: Chapter Two, also directed by Muschietti, follows the adult Losers’ Club as they return to Derry to confront Pennywise again, 27 years later. With a runtime of 169 minutes, this installment delves into the adult lives of the characters and explores the lingering trauma caused by their childhood experiences. This allows for deeper dives into individual character arcs and more complex confrontations with their personal demons, as well as Pennywise himself. The additional length is arguably needed to do justice to the more intricate plot and character dynamics of the novel’s second half.
IT Movie FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
To further clarify the complexities surrounding the IT movies and their runtimes, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Are there extended or director’s cut versions of either IT movie?
While there aren’t official “director’s cuts” in the traditional sense, IT (2017) does have an extended version available on home video release. This extended cut adds approximately 15 minutes of additional footage, offering more character development and slightly expanded scenes, although it doesn’t drastically alter the overall narrative. There is no significantly extended version of IT: Chapter Two.
FAQ 2: Does the runtime include end credits?
Yes, the listed runtimes of 135 minutes for IT (2017) and 169 minutes for IT: Chapter Two include the end credits. Keep this in mind when planning your viewing experience, as the credits can take up a substantial amount of time.
FAQ 3: How do the movie runtimes compare to the Stephen King miniseries IT (1990)?
The 1990 miniseries IT, starring Tim Curry as Pennywise, has a total runtime of approximately 192 minutes when viewed in its entirety. While longer than either individual movie, it still represents a significant abridgment of the source material. The newer films arguably benefit from modern special effects and a more cinematic scope, despite being divided into two parts.
FAQ 4: Which IT movie is considered to be scarier?
Scary is subjective, but generally, IT (2017) is often cited as being more consistently frightening due to its focus on the initial encounters with Pennywise and the heightened sense of childhood terror. IT: Chapter Two leans more into psychological horror and explores the ramifications of trauma, which, while impactful, might not deliver the same jump scares.
FAQ 5: Are there any significant scenes cut from the books that were regretted by fans?
Yes, several scenes from Stephen King’s novel were omitted or significantly altered in both film adaptations. One frequently lamented omission is the “Smoke Hole” ritual from the novel, intended to bind the Losers’ Club together. Its absence alters the dynamic of their relationship and simplifies the source of their collective strength.
FAQ 6: Why was the decision made to split the book into two separate movies?
The decision to split IT into two movies was primarily driven by the sheer size and scope of the novel. Condensing the entire story, encompassing both the childhood and adult timelines, into a single, reasonably paced film would have been nearly impossible. The two-part structure allowed the filmmakers to explore both timelines in greater detail, ultimately providing a more satisfying adaptation.
FAQ 7: Does the runtime affect the pacing of either movie?
The longer runtime of IT: Chapter Two can be perceived as having a slightly uneven pacing compared to IT (2017). Some critics argued that Chapter Two lingered too long on individual character flashbacks and lacked the focused intensity of the first film. However, the longer runtime also allowed for deeper exploration of the characters’ inner struggles.
FAQ 8: Should I watch the extended version of IT (2017) before watching IT: Chapter Two?
Watching the extended version of IT (2017) is not strictly necessary to understand IT: Chapter Two. The added scenes primarily offer more character depth and context but don’t fundamentally alter the plot or relationships. However, if you enjoyed the first movie and want a more complete experience, it’s definitely worth checking out.
FAQ 9: How do the special effects contribute to the overall feeling of the movie, given the runtimes?
The runtimes allowed for significant investment in visual effects. The detailed and often gruesome special effects in both IT movies contribute significantly to the overall horror experience. They bring Pennywise’s terrifying transformations and the Losers’ Club’s nightmarish visions to life in a way that wouldn’t have been possible with a shorter runtime and a smaller budget. This enhanced visual storytelling strengthens the impact of the film and maintains the audience’s immersion.
FAQ 10: Does the runtime impact character development?
Yes, the relatively generous runtimes of both films allow for more substantial character development than might be expected in a typical horror movie. The filmmakers were able to delve into the individual fears and traumas of the Losers’ Club, making them more relatable and investing viewers in their survival. This is particularly evident in IT: Chapter Two, which dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to exploring the adult Losers’ personal lives and struggles.
FAQ 11: How does the runtime impact repeat viewings?
While the runtimes are substantial, many fans find the films rewarding enough to warrant repeat viewings. The intricate plot, compelling characters, and chilling atmosphere make them engaging even after multiple watches. However, some viewers might find the length of IT: Chapter Two more daunting for frequent rewatches.
FAQ 12: Are there any plans for future IT projects that might affect the relevance of these runtimes?
Currently, there are rumors and discussions about potential prequels or spin-offs exploring Pennywise’s origins or other aspects of the IT universe. While nothing is officially confirmed, any future projects would likely have their own distinct runtimes and storytelling approaches, further enriching the legacy of Stephen King’s terrifying creation. The existing runtimes of the current films remain important benchmarks for future adaptations.