IT & The Art of Abstraction

[@michikip45]

I think Richie wasn’t afraid of dying but more so just, vanishing, going missing and being forgotten as just another missing kid. He so desperately wants to matter and have approval from those around him I feel more his deepest fear would tie in to something along just, disappearing and leaving nothing to make him matter behind.

[@definepoetic]

"Artists use lies to tell the truth" - Alan Moore (V for Vendetta)

[@wonderwaffle93]

Watching your vids is like hanging out with a friend I swear. Especially with that intro, feels like one of those nights you just hang out with friends to just chill and talk about clown violence Keep up the good content as always my dude

[@afl1183]

Thank you for defending genre. I have more of a literary background-not so much film-and genre gets crapped on in lit circles as well. I think that genre can explore themes more concretely than narrative fiction in many cases. Horror, detective stories, even westerns can more comfortably explore metaphor without it feeling shoehorned. That’s my quick take on it anyway.

[@jonathanburleson9234]

A F I’m glad to have avoided that side of the community. Genre is what (simplistically) defines the attitude of the film, and while it can be defied by mixes like comedic horror, it’s most of the time what makes people want to read what you’ve written. So saying that genre isn’t important or shouldn’t be used is kind of breaking the norm in a bad way.

[@brandihoward7612]

It's so interesting to comparatively explore those dynamics...and even more so with the advisement an individual with a background, education and relative expertise in film and essential mediums relevant to articulated critical analysis. (There's also the added bonus of May's legendary and unique charisma🙃) I'm a visual arts major and appreciate the parallels in dynamics when interpreting iconography, composition, rationales, content, elements and principles of the overall artistic structure and statement. There's a functionally objective intrinsic opinion and fundamentally original intellectual acuity underlying the thesis.

[@carcinogenecist2054]

ONCE AGAIN BLESSED WITH THE BEST SPOOKY GIRL ON THE INTERNET

[@nyxfears]

Sorry for midroll ads, this video was claimed by several different studios all of which are monetizing at the same time. It's a nightmare.

[@altoclef4989]

can I just say that as a trans horror fanatic, you're a huge inspiration to me. i've never found someone who's able to provide a diverse and comprehensive look at media quite like you do.

[@Armazillo]

Mason Tipton whats transhorror

[@thebubonicj]

Mason Tipton he's trans?

[@altoclef4989]

yeah, she's a girl!

[@ToonCatTV]

Oh! ^^

[@JamesiaInc]

Mason Tipton I haven't watched the video yet, but what exactly does you being trans have to do with anything? Or is it just like Veganism, where you have a compulsion to tell everyone you meet, regardless of context?

[@noelrose7419]

You said exactly what I've been feeling for so long. About stories that have meant something to me, added to my life, then I hear "Oh it's just hollow entertainment. With no merit" When it comes down to it though, most stories can convey something worthwile, and that shouldn't be scoffed at.

[@GuamoKun]

What a great video. Your whole “reality/unreality” realism thingy reminds me of how Kubrick said “You don't try to photograph the reality, you try to photograph the photograph of the reality”. And I’m just loving this video thank you!

[@miyarowlands8103]

"First of all: You can all go to hell." I love it. Absolutely love this video.

[@davidj.thompson]

Your delivery of your well thought out "thinkpieces" makes them even more enjoyable.

[@zixenvernon1643]

Thanks for babbling about IT for half an hour at me; I really enjoyed it.

[@TheTroutyness]

Zixen Vernon Sometimes I just turn it on when I’m alone because I love Nyx’s voice soooo much.

[@HorrorPossum]

I can't believe it took me this long to watch this video. I've adored IT from the moment it was released, for the quality of the film making, the acting, everything. But May broke this down so much more for me, and now I know why I love it for the subject matter and how it applies to my life. Being a helpless kid in the face of an uncaring world. Thanks, May. Truly.

[@sebastiankaplan6277]

Who remembers Julie being the intro song here???

[@cleoldbagtraallsorts3380]

Sebastian Kaplan I do. I miss it and Remington!

[@dyldragon1]

Remington is still in the thumbnails. I don't think he's retired and probably will only appear in review that are more "entertaining" rather than the video essay style of this one. At least I hope. I love him

[@nyxfears]

It's mostly a necessity thing. He's difficult to work and take a lot of time and space and I have limited of both of those while working on moving out and also just not knowing really what I wanted to do with him. He'll be back, probably soonish, in something that more fits him.

[@cleoldbagtraallsorts3380]

Nyx Fears glad to hear he's not being permanently retired!

[@nopizzawithoutpineapple]

Yeees meee

[@elphbwckd212]

I miss the skeleton sidekick. Still one of the best channels out there. Love you Nyx

[@Batbimbo]

Review mom comes through with a great video yet again

[@78deathface]

Vorekiyo Review Mom. I love you so much for posting this comment. Seriously, be my valentine.

[@HauntedChipDoodles]

I found Nyx fears in one day and I already feel adopted by the woman She'll give me some good things to watch while I'm on a 2 hour car ride back home from a short vacation

[@shelbyf8684]

Through these comments I learned something about you, that I'll admit I've wondered about you in the past, and I just wanted to say how strong and genuine you are! I love your content and your production quality is, and has been, consistently awesome, and I'm so glad I found your channel. I love that we can all be brought together by our passion for horror films/ the genre in general. Trans or cis, gay or straight, we're all here for the spooky (and a e s t h e t i c) Sorry for the paragraph, just wanted to let you know I appreciate you! ❤

[@dylanthejoel2331]

"Welcome to the world of the subjective! It's great here -- I like it." I see what you did there. 👀

[@annacatastrophic]

YoURE SUCH A QUEEN ILY 💕 I also love how you delve into the artistic/analytical side of IT. I read the book when I was around 13-14 and I always thought that IT was a personification of trauma and abuse. You’re so incredibly inspiring and talented and I hope you continue with these videos 💕

[@randomgirll3123]

hi Nyx! OH! This makes sense. I've never thought about this movie this way. It really is hard to see the motivations of the "bad guy" in stories. I need to curl up and watch some of my favorite movies with these ideas in mind. Look at the deeper layers and what they say about the time they were made in and the people who made them.

[@Zerinity42]

I love these longer videos. They are worth the wait. And your music....I cannot get enough babe

[@abramthiessen8749]

Some quality mood lighting there. She has got IT.

[@brandongorin7978]

I like that people like your videos

[@ogonzalez8531]

I really didn’t like Annabelle Creation, but this makes me want to take a look at it again because I totally missed the meaning behind it. I love that you talked about this movie again!

[@ScowlieMeerkat]

Damn you got a cassette player still hooked up and rocking? Nyx you're a fucking boss.

[@RedSpade37]

I remember, distinctly, when you first posted this. Gosh, these were the days. Your quick-review of those movies that came out in 2017 took me right back.

[@JimBlim69]

Good to see you post Nyx. Love the production value you put into these.

[@GoatMoist]

I'm not much of a film guy but I LOVE your videos. Just the personality and how you talk about film just feels all too real. It's just like if I was listening to a friend talk about movies or something. I love it.

[@AVictorina]

21:54 Exactly why I love Wes Anderson's style of filmmaking, from the stilted line delivery to his dreamlike set designs and camerawork.

[@TelenTerror]

I'm glad they hewed a little closer to the IT novel. See, that novel surprised me because IT--the thing that chooses to look like a clown that it calls Pennywise--is a person. Sure, it's an ancient-ass elder evil that devours and kills and torments, but it's also a person. It pays attention, it thinks, it knows how to read, it knows how to write, it knows how to drive a car, and it can fake being normal long enough to talk to someone on the street. Hell, it's also fallible. There's a part when a kid almost got away purely because IT slipped when climbing out of a storm drain.

[@CroGamer1234]

Gurl, I gotta recommend you to watch The Evil Within. That film started filming in the early 2000s by a insanely rich amateur director addicted on drugs released finally in 2017. It's right up your alley

[@XRXaholic]

Hbomberguy has a great line about the idea that fiction isn't merely the opposite of the truth... it's a reflection of the truth.

[@ezra55595]

This harkens back to my education in theatrical design. The first question you ask when designing a set/costumes/lighting is: what kind of world does this story take place in? You can never answer this question with just "real life", that's lazy. Your story can never take place in just "real life". The world you build can only ever be a permutation of reality, at best. It's uninteresting, and doesn't give you anything to go off of, because then the question is "what is reality?" and that's not a question that's going to help you at all. It's just going to send you into an existential crisis lol.

[@Megan-wc5kf]

I'm always delighted to see a video from you in my feed, thank you for this!

[@ssatva]

I love the way you took this in the direction of a critique of critique. Yes. Please. We can do better. I have had a hard time explaining to people I know why I don't tend to just trash on films they are giving a thumbs down to, but this covers so much of what I've been trying to get at that 1) I get to refine my specific angle on it better, and 2) I can just send this video to them! Thanks so much Nyx, just fantastic work, and this one was just a joy to watch from the editing and production angle as well.

[@UncannySwan]

I love that you are able to extract excellence and quality from everything that you watch and present to us and that you aren't a cynical "weh this movie sucks because weh the it dumb too much" kind of person I love u

[@NikkyKicks]

Just rewatched the movie a couple days ago, I am so ready for this.

[@BeanMagoon]

Damn Nyx! You busting out all the stops for this one! Fantastic job!!!

[@pianosnake7028]

I love this channel. It just feels like chilling with someone and making great points about horror media. Just, honest to god. I love this channel. Just wanted to say this

[@hod2024]

Your channel is the best channel if KZbin ended and I could save one channel I would save your channel

[@monkeydevinebb]

Had to stop watching this in front of a friend because he hadn't seen IT yet. Finally finished it! Good job Nyx. Very thought provoking Thanks for letting me hang out with ya for a while :)

[@1shimmyshimmyshimmy1]

nyx!! ur stuff keeps getting better and better. this one was so good.

[@chihirofujisaki2064]

I'm a lesbian who has Aspergers, anxiety and adhd - I mostly stay inside all day especially during the summer in my room due to how I can't handle social situations without freaking out inside of my head and feeling like i'm not being myself. What you said about get out, the shape of water and Annabelle creation made me think about how my life is similar to what you described. Thank you.

[@DavidBookwormPopovich]

Thank you for your work. It gives me a lot to think about with media and how I can improve myself as a creator. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@creepykels]

When I watch your videos, I legit sit with my journal and pen and write down my favorite parts xD You rock, girl.

[@UnarmedTitan]

Great video! New to your channel but definitely going to stick around. I think what I liked so much about It is that it portrays childhood in a much more fully realized light than most films. Like, when I was a kid, my problems weren't the kind of simple easy fixes that most films like to portray. I was lonely, depressed and, in hindsight, dealing with some of the worst times of my life. Really glad this film exists and happy to see your analysis. Keep up the good work.

[@dappermancer]

Yay!! New video! You look great girl

[@cer_eal]

I think that you might be my favourite content creator May

[@Catglittercrafts]

I'm terrified of clowns and I'm only watching this because it's you Nyx. This is a huge deal for me

[@Catglittercrafts]

Confession, I'm holding my hand over the screen 98% of the time. Sorry. Too scary. But I'm still listening

[@manicpixiefangirl4189]

There is just so frickin’ much to love in your videos I can’t pick just one to compliment. I guess the best thing is just to say I want more! Keep it up you imaginative butterfly you!

[@thenickseditious]

Your one of my fav people lol your sarcasm and wit is so dry no one is close. Keep up the great work nyx

[@somasatori9117]

So you mentioned your Halloween episode, and now I've watched like 4 hours of your videos and am back to finish this one. Really grateful to Harris Bomberguy about giving you a shout out since I didn't know that I needed your channel this way

[@vinx.909]

amazing analysis. one though i had during your realism talk was "you don't want realism, you want immersion. and realism is a tool usable in achieving immersion".

[@hamhawk4027]

You have a tape deck? Does it play mini disks too? I think I'm in love

[@KonichiSakai]

I absolutely adored the new aesthetic you used in this video, and I always look forward to hearing what you have to say about movies.

[@ForeverInDreams237]

Great video!! I enjoyed every second of it. And u name dropped 2 of my favorite movies ever, Halloween and mulholland drive. Keep posting man u have so much insight into the subjects you choose to discuss.

[@sweetchocolatesecret]

I'm kinda glad I watched "IT" a way from the hype when it first came out. The impact of the movie really felt like a genuine reaction and it honestly made me think.

[@benjbutton4477]

Holy shit I’m so glad you’re talking about this movie again

[@Nanonear]

Love the mood in this video. Your commentary is fresh and insightful, and I've seen quite a lot of people talk about this movie and horror movies in general. ^^;

[@TranshumanistBCI]

I wish more Video Essays are made the way you make ..It really shows your passion and hard work ..You are the reason I still think Video Essays are great...I really REALLY wish I had more friends like you.

[@mikekearney5949]

you're honestly one of the only KZbinrs that i consistently watch. thank you for existing.

[@spirit5877]

The editing on this one is freaking superb. Great work!! :D

[@PoisonxTea]

WHOO BOY I LOVE THIS FILM SO I'M GOING TO PRETEND I'M NOT NEARLY A YEAR LATE AND ADD A FEW THOUGHTS! Because I just found your channel and this and I love this video, but I do have a few slight disagreements and some additional thoughts to add onto some of the things you said that I do agree with! I do like the idea that Pennywise is frustrated because the clown thing isn't working, but I don't think the idea that he was wanting what he couldn't get and that individually he wasn't succeeding at/wouldn't have succeeded at getting at the kids is wrong. Bev wasn't not afraid of him because a clown didn't work, but because she'd just been through so much already and she had some real steel in her. They did keep escaping him, but I think some of his arrogance was in the fact that he was letting them; over and over again he seemed to have chosen to toy with these kids, and might have killed and eaten them if he did get his hands on them but didn't mind letting them get away to terrorize and eat later. He would have eaten Eddie in the house, most notably, and wasn't expecting them all to work together, and you *can* see his I FUCKED UP moment when Bev skewers him, but then everyone reacts terrified to the fact that he's still alive and you can also see the moment where he shifts back into enjoying himself again. He's hurt and does decide to retreat (probably because they're still all there together), but they are all absolutely incoherent with fear in that moment when he starts stalking around again and slashes at Ben. Another interesting moment in this regard is in Bill's basement, when Bill runs up the stairs; when Pennywise hits the stairs, before he slides back away again, he gets this smile that really does imply things went according to his plans. He terrified Bill then, but he let him go, because it was more fun for him to do things that way. I think where these kids really threw a wrench in his hands was in banding together. I don't think *that* was something that had happened before. Everyone before was too terrified to stand up to him, but also he does tend to go after people who are alienated and alone, and/or to purposefully try to split people up (like he did in the house, and by taking Bev first -- I think he actually neglected to realize that Bev was the heart of the group and that she'd motivate them to the extent that she did, it was kind of a fatal error, he kept underestimating the kids *because* they were appropriately terrified of him most of the time -- like how he knew Bev's father was her own personal monster but his final fuck-up in the film was draaaastically underestimating how DONE WITH HER DAD'S SHIT Bev was). What you said about the support network thing being so important is 100% on the money, I think. That's what saved them all, when all the other kids had been doomed. And I want to point out something about two of the kids: Stan needs the world to be orderly and make sense -- I do think the stuff about his dad and the painting being in his dad's office is pertinent, but the crooked woman who's face just shouldn't be like that is, I think, far more to do with that overwhelming fear of things not being as they should be. It's wrong, it's off, people shouldn't look like that. Also, it's implied that Richie's mother is neglectful, so the whole idea of him just disappearing and being forgotten, like that old poster he finds in the house, probably has a lot to do with his complexes about that. (It also might be why he's so loud and acts out with inappropriate jokes and gags so much; kid craves attention.) Also also also one final thing in case you or anyone else hasn't noticed by now: On the topic of the grown ups becoming part of the problem, and basically becoming "part of" Pennywise's entire system, hoo boy the way that librarian lady in the library is standing in the background STARING AT BEN AND GRINNING. I missed that like my first three times watching the movie. Consciously, anyway. I knew something felt very wrong about that scene, and then holy shit. The fact that this random adult in Derry is so predatory and almost seems like a vessel for It in those moments really drives home that element of things, as much as the balloon in the back of the car that drives past Ben. Whoof.

[@bamdraws]

Pretty good video but I miss the skeleton

[@Geospasmic]

I'm really glad this eventually happend, I've thought a lot about this movie and I love seeing others' in depth take on it.

[@DancingWithMyCat]

I am speechless. Whatever did we do to deserve such complex and well articulated and ENTERTAINING analysis??? On youtube dot com of all places ???? The creativity JUMPED out. You can really see how hard you work on your videos and it really pays off because they’re fantastic xx

[@Tinklebellx]

I’m really glad you opened more dialogue about this film because I wasn’t done talking about it

[@Ideennot]

Mulholland Drive is my favourite movie and I've watched it so many times now. There's something new to find every time!

[@doubelgomez]

OH MY GOODNESS THE MORAL AT THE END WAS SO GOOD! I am so used to people just saying things are bad or good and not looking at that the ideal there could be an in-between to those two states.

[@kittensurgery6724]

This is such a fantastic analysis. Thank you for consistently making such great content!!! Also you look really cute in this vid and i love your shirt.

[@dianes.3718]

Congratulations on graduating! I really enjoyed this video, the time and effort on your part really stands out and you are truly a very intelligent artist and I look forward to many more of your videos! Hope to see a feature film from you in the future!

[@virtual_fairy]

i always get so excited when you post a new video. i really like the setup of this one sis!!

[@SammySam191]

THIS IS AMAZING! While I love your other videos as well, this... This is something else :D And it's great! I am so happy to hear from you and see how passionate you are about all of this! You are doing a great job!

[@arielnora8813]

aaa I was waiting for this one! Thanks a lot for making it!

[@leberrong]

I love this video. Your videos make me excited about horror movies again.

[@cbrunton96]

Amazing, what a fantastic video. Love your analyses, you always bring up stuff I've never thought of before

[@carnigob42069]

loved this video!! you always make me look at film in a new light. i love your opyimism and open mindedness about movies!! and i love that army of darkness poster!!!!!

[@annadean387]

I love your discussion videos like this I feel like I learn so much about film as art.

[@isabellavantichel4459]

what could IT be? lol May love your humor so much x

[@alwaysluvedtobeluved]

Once I saw the cassette tape, I was like, wow, that took me back. Nyx, you have just turned up your relatability meter with me. Now, if you played a VHS, nay, a Betamax tape, that would blow my mind. I would instantly change my mind about time travel to the future or make me wonder what salvation army or garage sale you came across or you are one of the few people that held on to those things. Either way, it is so cool to me and that is all that matters

[@thecourrrr]

Love this! I'm not sure why but the way you approach your video is welcoming. I think you drop any air of pretentious and just talk like we all just got out of the theater and want to go to the closest diner to talk about what we saw. Have you seen Hereditary? Love to hear your take.

[@sienisch9779]

Good video, gets a little rambley towards the end (unscripted?), but the literary analysis of the characters was new to me and fascinating. Makes me want to watch the movie again with this new information. :) Thanks!

[@adamtherock2008]

Was not expecting this today. A surprise to be sure but a welcome one.

[@mana-yb8be]

this is a really interesting and well put together video! thank you for the great content as usual nyx ❤️

[@aela_101]

Such a great video! im so glad you were video was recommended to me

[@wrenjones3129]

I've been following your channel for a long time, and hadn't subscribed because I'm weird about that shit. But you're smart and thoughtful and you are so good at this, I think you're probably better than just about every other self obsessed asshole on this site trying to deconstruct movies to make themselves sound intelligent. I don't get that from you at all, because this is something you're actually really thinking about, really considering, and really actually good at. So I've finally subscribed. You deserve it so much.

[@nobodynoone4161]

Nyx, have you ever watched Nina Forever? It strikes me like something you’d like, especially with all the meaning behind it. Also, thank you very much for another amazing video! I’m really digging the lighting too!

[@mr.morbiss]

Great video, always happy to see something new on your channel ❤

[@gilbill3230]

Ahh May!!! I absolutely love your videos. Youre a real inspiration 💞💞💞

[@emotr0nic]

Yess!! I missed my spook mom! Also d a m n you really know this movie inside and out. This whole perspective is so fascinating! Can't wait to see more from you!

[@emotr0nic]

I just forgot about the infinity war video, oops! Regardless, I'm always hype to see you've posted something new :3

[@lazyrmc]

Great video Nyx! I never thought I would hear a humanizing deconstruction of Pennywise today

[@moth4moth]

Girl, thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting this point across. So many meaningful allegories in film are drowned out by the good/bad label (specifically to horror, scary/not-scary) It’s so important to call attention back to them. On another note, as another trans film junkie with a passion for horror, you are such an inspiring force in my life. Keep doing the amazing shit you’re doing, honey. 💖💖💖💖

[@cmmosher8035]

I loved this movie and the book has been one of my favourite since I read it back in the 90s and I was the age of the kids. I know that people like to crap on horror but like you said there is real truth in it (pun intended?). The Shining and Phantasm did more to help sort through my father's death then anything else. They let me process the emotions I couldn't before so that I could begin expressing them to others.

[@madelynk.gilmore6939]

Such an underrated video

[@indigohalf]

Your point about the power of abstraction reminds me of one of the biggest takeaways I got from Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics (stay with me!): A character drawn in a realistic style is more alienating to the audience compared to a more simplistic, stylized one, because that's closer to how we actually experience ourselves. One doesn't *feel* one's own freckles or skin color or cheekbones in the moment. The more abstracted a character's design and expressions are, the easier they are to identify and empathize with. Realism doesn't actually help people connect, when it comes to emotional experiences. But oh my god, just those little clips from IT sucked me right in. Jeezus chreezus. Movie magic.

[@necroromancers]

I comment on every other selfie you post on insta about how pretty and wonderful you are, but it's always such a treat to get to see you in motion with audio 🖤 lovely goth lady

[@falldogs2290]

great video. but man i wish IT wasn't so horribly sexist. Beverly gets such a raw deal in this film. Abused by her father and even in her safe space with her friends she is constantly sexulised. she never escapes the male gaze

[@nyxfears]

I didn't really talk about this in the video but I think that is precisely the point. Like, the shit she deals with in the movie is terrible and constant, but it reflects a truth of many young girls growing up in our world.

[@falldogs2290]

Honestly i think your videos on IT got me to that point with her character and you are right it is a reflection of the real world. but its never commented on in any concert way in the film. her feelings on being treated like that are never voiced. we get so many moments of the boys looking at her with desire. its ends of the "got the girl kiss" and Ben kissing her in the sunken place unsolicited. it all adds up to this "girl of the group" curse where she could never just be a friend on equal terms.

[@nyxfears]

Hmmm, that's a good point. I think it's possible that while the film could be read as attempting to capture the experience of a young girl growing up as 'one of the boys' while simultaneously treated as only an object of their desires, that the film also has an unfortunate reading of doing the exact things that it may attempt to display as critical. I'll have to think on it but I think you have a very valid point.

[@putridsunrise192]

Man there is so much wrong with these statements. First off, learn how to spell. Second, the film is not "horribly sexist." I can't stand people like you, constantly whining about every little thing that isn't what you want it to be. If you read the book you would know sexuality is not only a big part of Bevs character, but a major aspect of the book. You must have never had any friends in childhood since the way it's depicted in the film is almost exactly how it was when I was growing up. A bunch of boys having a crush on the outcast girl, but weren't courageous enough to say something. But one manages to get a kiss at the end. Real summer memories. The film captures this with a great deal of sincerity. Your'e also dead wrong about her feelings not being voiced. The great thing the filmmakers did was not literally have people say it but instead have it visualized when she stabs Pennywise (who has morphed into her father) in the mouth at the end - Freud be damned. That sums it up perfectly without having to spell it out for the dimwits. Then there's the blood and hair from the sink that attacks her, which is obvious metaphor for puberty and womanhood. The rest of the group help clean it up, showing that they are there with her during the transition. Human beings are sexual creatures, stop being so prudent about it and look past what tumblr spews out and focus more on what makes humans human.

[@putridsunrise192]

My passion for the Arts transcends mere notions of niceties. If Fall Dogs wishes to defend his/her misspelled comments then by all means have at it. But there is no reason for you to call me an asshole for calling out their bullshit. I will not sugarcoat my passions, it will be visceral and it will be primal. If you don't like that, oh well. Anyway, you know what I said is true. Even if you don't want to admit to it on here just to save them the embarrassment.

[@saul94923]

Loved the visual aesthetic of this video. Plus the choker wasn't distracting in the slightest this time if you were even wearing one!

[@sagekey]

congrats on graduation and good luck with the move!!! awesome vid, as always x