The theatrical release of IT, based on Stephen King’s colossal novel, clocks in at 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes). This runtime provides a chillingly effective adaptation of the first half of King’s story, focusing on the Losers’ Club’s childhood encounters with Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
Unpacking the Runtime of IT
While 135 minutes is the official runtime, the experience of watching IT extends beyond the numbers. The movie masterfully uses its time to develop compelling characters, build palpable suspense, and deliver genuinely terrifying scares. It’s not just about length; it’s about the effective use of that length to tell a captivating story.
Understanding the Pacing
Director Andy Muschietti expertly balances moments of intense horror with quieter character-driven scenes. This deliberate pacing allows the audience to connect with the Losers’ Club and invest in their struggle against Pennywise. The film avoids becoming a relentless barrage of jump scares, opting instead for a more nuanced and psychologically unsettling approach.
Comparing to the Book
King’s IT is a sprawling, complex novel. Condensing half of it into a 135-minute movie inevitably necessitates some cuts and changes. However, the core narrative and the spirit of the book are faithfully preserved. The film focuses on the most impactful moments and character arcs from the first half of the novel.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into IT‘s Runtime and Content
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the details surrounding the IT movie’s runtime and its adaptation of the source material:
FAQ 1: Is the Director’s Cut Longer Than the Theatrical Version?
No, there is no director’s cut of IT that significantly extends the runtime. While deleted scenes exist and are available on home video releases, the theatrical version remains the definitive cut.
FAQ 2: Does the Extended Version Add Significant Scenes?
The extended scenes included on the Blu-ray and digital releases of IT add some context and character development, but they don’t dramatically alter the overall length or plot of the movie. Most notably, the extended scene involving the Well House offers more insight into Pennywise’s lair.
FAQ 3: How Does IT (2017) Compare in Length to IT: Chapter Two?
IT: Chapter Two, which focuses on the Losers’ Club as adults, has a significantly longer runtime of 2 hours and 49 minutes (169 minutes). This extra time allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the adult characters and their final confrontation with Pennywise.
FAQ 4: Is the Runtime Appropriate for the Story Being Told?
Many viewers and critics believe the 135-minute runtime is perfectly suitable for adapting the first half of IT. It allows for sufficient character development and scares without feeling rushed or bloated. The pacing is generally considered well-balanced and effective.
FAQ 5: Does the Runtime Affect the Film’s Horror Elements?
The runtime plays a crucial role in building suspense and terror. By gradually revealing Pennywise and allowing the audience to connect with the Losers’ Club, the film maximizes the impact of its horror sequences. Shorter runtimes sometimes sacrifice character development for quicker scares, which IT avoids.
FAQ 6: Are There Any Moments Where the Film Feels Rushed Due to the Runtime?
While the film generally maintains a good pace, some viewers might feel that certain character backstories could have been explored in greater depth. However, given the need to condense a substantial portion of the novel, the filmmakers made judicious choices about what to include and what to omit.
FAQ 7: How Does the 1990 TV Miniseries Compare in Length and Content?
The 1990 IT miniseries, starring Tim Curry as Pennywise, has a total runtime of approximately 3 hours (180 minutes) over two parts. While longer than the 2017 film, the miniseries covers the entire story of IT, both the childhood and adulthood timelines.
FAQ 8: Was There Ever a Plan for a Longer Version of IT During Production?
While specific details about pre-production plans are not readily available, it’s likely that the filmmakers explored various options for the runtime. The final decision to release a 135-minute film reflects a careful balance between faithfully adapting the source material and creating a commercially viable product.
FAQ 9: How Much of Stephen King’s Book Does the 2017 Movie Cover?
The 2017 film primarily focuses on the Losers’ Club’s experiences as children in the summer of 1958. It adapts roughly the first half of Stephen King’s IT, setting the stage for the sequel, IT: Chapter Two, which tackles the second half of the novel.
FAQ 10: Does the Runtime Allow for Sufficient Character Development?
Despite the inherent limitations of adapting a massive novel, the film does a commendable job of developing the core members of the Losers’ Club. We learn about their individual fears, traumas, and strengths, which are essential for understanding their motivations and relationships.
FAQ 11: Is the Runtime a Factor in the Film’s Success?
The film’s runtime is likely a contributing factor to its success. It’s long enough to provide a compelling and complete narrative arc for the first half of the story, yet not so long that it alienates audiences. Its length allows for a satisfying cinematic experience that leaves viewers wanting more.
FAQ 12: Should I Watch the Extended Scenes or Stick to the Theatrical Cut?
Whether or not to watch the extended scenes is a matter of personal preference. If you enjoyed the theatrical cut and want a slightly deeper dive into the characters and story, the extended scenes offer some additional value. However, the theatrical cut is generally considered the definitive version of the film.
Conclusion: IT‘s Perfectly Measured Horror
Ultimately, the 135-minute runtime of IT (2017) proves to be a well-calculated and effective choice. It provides ample time to explore the characters, build suspense, and deliver genuinely terrifying scares, all while remaining a manageable length for a mainstream audience. The film’s success is a testament to the power of concise storytelling within a horror framework, proving that quality trumps quantity when it comes to adapting Stephen King’s iconic novel. The carefully curated scenes and pacing contribute significantly to the film’s overall impact and lasting appeal, making it a modern horror classic.