1990 vs 2017

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Writerbee5

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Dec 5, 2018
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I'm going to be honest with you. When I first saw the miniseries version of IT, I loved it. And the same goes with the 2017 version. I believe that each version has its perks, as well as its flaws, but I'm not going to talk about those today.

I wanted to talk about the actual city of Derry in IT. Whenever people think of IT, they think of Pennywise or Finn Wolfhard.

What I'm discussing today is the actual, present-day town of Derry and how the two movies portrayed it. I chose this topic because I feel that most people don't discuss it and that it is an underrated part of society.

First, let's start off with the 1990 version. In the 1990 version, Derry is at first portrayed as a friendly town, yet a mean town. At first, the mean part is shown in the bullies, the main one being Henry Bowers. Later on in the movie, it is revealed that Derry is IT.

Plot twist.

Meanwhile in the 2017 version, from the very beginning Derry gives off a creepy vibe. The adults are cruel and cold to the children, foreshadowing to the same plot twist, that Derry is IT.

I hope to continue this thread later, as I am quite busy at the moment. Please discuss if you feel the same way. I'd love to hear input from the public.
 

mal

content
Jun 23, 2007
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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
I don't know who directed the movies but I am guessing the feel and portrayal of the ambience of that small town would come more from them than the author. I did get a more 'gritty' feel for the town in the 2017 version. From what I recall of the original, there was more of a television mini-series feel to it, due to mini-cliffhanger commercial placements, which made it hard to grab hold of the deeper environment surrounding them.
 
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raperm

Active Member
Aug 22, 2016
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Interesting topic, OP. I think for me it's sort of hard to compare. Couple of reasons for that.

First, neither the miniseries nor the movie really spends a lot of time showing the town. You get lots of time in few locations. So the town is really somewhat undefined. I did not, for example, get a sense of how large Derry actually is in either of the portrayals.

I think the 2017 version "feels" darker, but that could be because I would be close (a bit older) to the age the kids were in that movie at that actual time; I went to middle and high school in the 80s, so it was a very recognizable look and feel; the clothes, music, etc. And because of that, it was more "real" to me than the 50's look/feel of the mini series. The bullies felt more realistic to me, for example, because they LOOKED like 80's bullies would look. The 50's version of Henry looked like a deranged Fonzie, and felt a little cartoonish.

And second, the adults in the 2017 version are generally unpleasant. Ms. Kaspbrack for example is cold, dour, and unfriendly from the start. Bill's father is unfriendly to the point of emotional abuse. Bev's dad is a walking horror. Mike's grandfather has no empathy and pushes the "tough love" thing a bit too far. Henry's dad is a corrupt small town deputy. So NO adult is portrayed as friendly, helpful, or kind. That makes the setting feel isolated and inimical, which I'm sure is exactly what the director wanted.

Dunno if that makes sense, but it's the best I can do.
 
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Aloysius Nell

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Apr 1, 2014
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Caveat: I haven't seen the movie yet.

"Feel" in movies comes mainly from the use of music. So whatever might be changed in the script, is minor compared to how the film is edited with the soundtrack.
 

preciousroy

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Apr 4, 2018
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To me the 2017 movie went past implying things for the viewer to pick up and consider and just hit you over the head with details. Sonya Kaspbrak for example was over the top in her portrayal. In the book she comes off as controlling but scared. In 2017 she's just deliberately mean with no cause, especially to Beverly.

There's actually a picture artist's rendition of Derry floating around on the internet. I don't know where it came from or if it's official but I'll post it if it hasn't been posted before. (I'm assuming it's been posted 100 times already lol.)
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
To me the 2017 movie went past implying things for the viewer to pick up and consider and just hit you over the head with details. Sonya Kaspbrak for example was over the top in her portrayal. In the book she comes off as controlling but scared. In 2017 she's just deliberately mean with no cause, especially to Beverly.

There's actually a picture artist's rendition of Derry floating around on the internet. I don't know where it came from or if it's official but I'll post it if it hasn't been posted before. (I'm assuming it's been posted 100 times already lol.)
Go ahead and post it if you want (as long as it's okay with Moderator)

I'd be interested to see this!

Thanks :)

p.s. one of our members lives in Derry

... but it is Derry NH
 
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preciousroy

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Apr 4, 2018
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I don't live in Derry but there's a storm drain I drive past often and I can't help but glance under it quickly as I drive by lol.
 

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