The original It movie, a two-part television miniseries based on Stephen King’s iconic novel, has a total running time of approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes (192 minutes). This excludes any opening or closing credits. This length allows for a relatively faithful, albeit condensed, adaptation of King’s sprawling narrative about childhood trauma and the manifestation of fear.
Unraveling the Layers of It: A Timeless Adaptation
The 1990 It miniseries holds a special place in the hearts of horror fans, largely due to Tim Curry’s unforgettable portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The substantial runtime provides the space needed to explore the complex backstories of the Losers’ Club, their individual fears, and the horrifying encounters with It in its various forms. While shorter than King’s novel, the miniseries still attempts to capture the essence of the story’s themes of memory, friendship, and the power of belief.
The Two-Part Structure: Then and Now
The division into two parts is crucial to understanding the narrative structure. Part One focuses on the Losers’ Club as children in 1960, confronting Pennywise for the first time in Derry, Maine. It meticulously establishes their individual fears and the formative trauma that will haunt them into adulthood. Part Two jumps ahead to 1990, with the adult Losers’ Club returning to Derry to fulfill their pact and finally defeat It. This temporal division mirrors the structure of King’s novel and allows for a more complete exploration of the characters’ growth and the cyclical nature of evil in Derry.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Original It
Below are some frequently asked questions related to the 1990 It miniseries, designed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the film’s production, content, and cultural impact.
FAQ 1: Is the Director’s Cut of It Longer?
No, there is no official director’s cut of the 1990 It miniseries that is longer than the original. While deleted scenes may exist, they have not been officially released or incorporated into a longer version. The 192-minute runtime remains the definitive length of the miniseries.
FAQ 2: Does the Runtime Include Commercial Breaks?
The stated runtime of 192 minutes is exclusive of any commercial breaks that would have aired during its original television broadcast. This figure represents the actual time dedicated to the narrative content.
FAQ 3: How Does the Original It Compare to the 2017 and 2019 Movies?
The 2017 film, It, which focuses solely on the Losers’ Club as children, has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes). It Chapter Two, released in 2019, depicting the adult Losers’ Club, has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes (169 minutes). While each film has its own strengths and weaknesses, it is important to remember that they all represent different interpretations and adaptations of the same source material. Together, the runtime of both films nearly matches the original TV series.
FAQ 4: Was the Length a Criticism of the Miniseries?
While the miniseries was generally well-received, some critics argued that the length, even at over three hours, was insufficient to fully capture the depth and complexity of King’s novel. Certain plot points and character developments were inevitably truncated or omitted to fit within the allotted time.
FAQ 5: What Made the Original It So Memorable?
The enduring appeal of the original It miniseries stems from several factors, including Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal of Pennywise, the strong performances of the young actors playing the Losers’ Club, and the faithful, albeit condensed, adaptation of King’s story. It captured the imagination of a generation and established Pennywise as one of the most terrifying clowns in popular culture.
FAQ 6: Where Can I Watch the Original It Miniseries?
The availability of the original It miniseries on streaming platforms and for purchase varies depending on your region. However, it is often available for rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play Movies & TV. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also typically available from retailers.
FAQ 7: Did the Miniseries Follow the Book Accurately?
While the miniseries attempts to be faithful to the source material, it does make certain changes and omissions due to time constraints and budgetary limitations. Some of the more graphic and controversial scenes from the novel were toned down or removed entirely.
FAQ 8: Who Played Pennywise in the Original It?
The role of Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the original It miniseries was brilliantly portrayed by Tim Curry. His performance is widely considered to be one of the most memorable and terrifying in horror history.
FAQ 9: Why Was It Made as a Miniseries Instead of a Movie Initially?
In the 1990s, miniseries were a popular format for adapting long novels, offering more screen time to develop characters and storylines than a standard movie. The length of It, coupled with its complex narrative structure, made it a natural fit for the miniseries format.
FAQ 10: What Age Rating Does the Original It Have?
The original It miniseries is typically rated R for mature content, including horror violence and language. Viewer discretion is advised.
FAQ 11: Was There a Lot of Controversy Surrounding the Miniseries?
While generally well-received, the miniseries did generate some controversy due to its dark themes, violent content, and depiction of childhood trauma. Some viewers found certain scenes to be disturbing or inappropriate.
FAQ 12: How Does the Original It Handle the Themes of Childhood Trauma?
The original It effectively portrays the lasting impact of childhood trauma on the Losers’ Club. The miniseries explores how their experiences with Pennywise and the horrors of Derry shaped their personalities, relationships, and overall worldview. The theme of overcoming childhood trauma is central to the narrative’s resolution, as the Losers’ Club must confront their past fears to defeat It once and for all.
The Enduring Legacy of Pennywise
The original It miniseries, with its 192-minute runtime, cemented Pennywise the Dancing Clown as a horror icon. While subsequent adaptations have offered new interpretations of King’s masterpiece, the chilling performance of Tim Curry and the relatively faithful adaptation of the novel’s core themes ensure that the original It continues to haunt and terrify audiences for years to come. It serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of Stephen King’s terrifying vision.