After the worldwide success of the first part, It – Chapter 2 was released in cinemas in 2019 and focused, this time, on the misfortunes of the Losers Club in adulthood. The film opens with a scene not in the 1990 TV movie but featured in Stephen King’s original novel: The Killing of Adrian Mellon, a young gay man from Derry who is killed by Pennywise the Clown. This homophobic crime represents the story’s first glimpse into the modern world.
To play this role, director Andrés Muschietti turned to Xavier Dolan, a star from Quebec who made no secret of his admiration for the first film. The sequence does not spare the audience. The character, accompanied by his girlfriend, is assaulted and beaten to the ground several times before being thrown over a bridge before falling into a river. Once in the water, the victim is pulled back and swallowed by Pennywise.
As soon as the movie came out, the scene got people talking. Some consider the following to be free and Sensational, once again empowering homosexual characters in martyr roles. In fact, this opening bears witness to very real violence – in the United States, 2019. According to the FBI 1429 victims of attacks related to sexual orientation. This scene gives the film a certain political dimension that is usually quite rare in horror blockbusters.
First of all, this murder is inspired by a real homophobic crime that happened in 1984 in Maine. Two years later, Stephen King wrote his novel and created the character of Adrian Mellon based on the tragic fate of Charlie Howard, who was killed in similar circumstances.
“When I wrote the book, this tragedy was still fresh in my mind, and it was set in my mother’s town, where horrors happen.The author explains Interview in the Bangor Daily News. Needless to say, I was scandalized.”
Later in the film, Richie’s character develops romantic feelings for his friend Eddie. The story between the two men is not presented in the book, but allows for a link to the opening scene. An idea that Stephen King himself described as “Genius“.
This – Chapter 2 is available on Netflix until December 29th, go.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
