10 Scariest Uses Of Make-Up In Horror Movies

There’s no denying the impact of Tim Curry’s performance as Pennywise in 1990’s It miniseries; however, Bill Skarsgård’s recent take on the character is exponentially more macabre and commendable, particularly in 2017’s It. With a mixture of practical effects and CGI, Skarsgård’s portrayal offers several worthwhile bits of atrocious over-the-top theatrics. Despite all of those suspenseful flare-ups, though, it’s Pennywise’s most unassuming appearance—hiding in the bushes and chewing on Georgie’s arm as Mike Hanlon gets assaulted by Henry Bowers’ racist gang—that lingers longest in our memory.

It’s a very brief scene, yes, and not especially elaborate; but, there’s just something about the morbid, open-mouthed expression on Pennywise’s face when Mike first notices him that’s wholly disturbing. Even worse is the close-up of Pennywise gleefully waving the severed arm at Mike, with his blood-soaked grin and glittery gaze displaying ominous playfulness. It’s as if he’s saying to Mike (and to the audience) that he’s omnipresent and all-powerful, so you never know when he’ll pop up again to amuse himself with more prey. Plus, the fact that he’s held on to Georgie’s arm for all of this time adds more malice to his message.