Remember the chilling 1990 film "It" directed by Tommy Lee Wallace? The terrifying clown, Pennywise, haunting the town of Derry is etched in the minds of audiences worldwide. Pennywise, played menacingly by Tim Curry, is the dancing, balloon-wielding evil that brings fear and panic to the once-peaceful town.
The character of Pennywise, or simply "It," was adapted from Stephen King's novel of the same name. This iconic villain has left an indelible mark on popular culture, spawning numerous references and spin-offs. The name "Pennywise" wasn't always meant to be, though. In King's novel, the entity is merely referred to as "It," taking on the form of whatever each person fears most.
The Birth of Pennywise
The name "Pennywise" was introduced in the 1990 television miniseries, a departure from King's original novel. The change was inspired by a coin called a "pennywise" used in 17th-century England, which was only worth a small amount. The writers likely chose this name to reflect the entity's deceitful nature, promising fun and fortune but bringing only chaos and destruction.
The name also plays on the common phrase "a penny for your thoughts," which Pennywise uses in the film as a way of taunting its victims. This duality - the name reflecting both deception and a promise of a penny - is a fitting choice for this horrifying character.
The Tim Curry Interpretation
Tim Curry's portrayal of Pennywise is often cited as one of the greatest horror movie performances of all time. He imbues the character with a bizarre, otherworldly charisma, alternating between eerie nonchalance and explode into terrifying rage. Curry's Pennywise is as unsettling as it is unforgettable, his delight in causing terror almost palpable.
Curry adopted a distinctive voice, a nasal drawl that's immediately recognizable, and makeup that transformed him into a grotesque, perverse parody of a clown. This look, combined with Curry's disturbing performance, has become one of the most iconic villain images in cinematic history.
Andy Muschietti's Take on Pennywise
In 2017, director Andy Muschietti brought Pennywise back to the big screen in "IT," with Bill Skarsgård taking over the role. Skarsgård's performance was praised for its originality, avoiding any mimicry of Curry's interpretation. He brought a fresh, unsettling power to the character, emphasizing its ancient, inhuman nature.
Skarsgård's Pennywise is more frightening in his stillness, his otherworldliness more pronounced. His eyes, especially, are chilling; they seem to peer right into the viewer's soul. This new interpretation added to the legacy of a character that has become a cultural touchstone for generations of horror fans.
