Was Richie Tozier Gay in IT Chapter Two? Exploring the Film's Controversial Twist
The 2019 film IT Chapter Two delivered a haunting conclusion to the story of the Losers' Club, but one plot point sparked a significant amount of debate: the revelation that Richie Tozier, the group's resident comedian, was gay. But was this a faithful adaptation of Stephen King's original novel, or a departure that resonated with some and fell flat with others? Let's dive into the complexities of Richie's character in both the book and the film.
The Subtext & The Screen: A Queer Reading of Richie in IT
The film adaptation of IT Chapter Two brought Richie's hidden feelings for Eddie Kaspbrak to the forefront. In a heartbreaking scene, Richie carves their initials into the kissing bridge, a poignant expression of unrequited love. This detail, coupled with the overall narrative, sparked a wave of discussion regarding Richie's sexuality.
The movie doesn't just hint at it; it makes it explicit. Richie's internal struggles with his identity are brought to life beautifully through Bill Hader's portrayal, which deepens the first film in retrospect. Richie's internal struggles in chapter 2 retroactively deepen his character. However, in the first installment, he remained a sidekick. His arc in IT Chapter Two also allowed viewers to examine his internal conflicts.
Pennywise and the Power of Fear
The antagonist, Pennywise, weaponizes Richie's secret. His attacks are not just about gore or jump scares but about tapping into the deepest fears of the Losers' Club, including the fear of rejection and the shame associated with being gay in a homophobic society. For Richie, Pennywise transforms into the monstrous personification of his internalized homophobia, taunting him with his "dirty little secret."
From Page to Screen: The Source Material's Perspective
The book, in contrast, takes a different approach. Stephen King himself has stated that he didn't intend for Richie to be gay in the novel. While Richie and Eddie share a close bond, King never explicitly explores romantic feelings between them.
In the book, Richie's character is also much more complex, and not just the wisecracking best friend. He has a number of failed relationships with women, further adding to his character's depth.
Changing Times, Evolving Interpretations
IT Chapter Two arrived in a cultural climate with different views on representation in media. The film opened with a brutal homophobic attack, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. In this context, Richie's hidden feelings come into view with more weight, adding a layer of thematic resonance to the story.
While the book focuses more on the friendship of the Losers' Club members, the film has a modern perspective. Director Andy Muschietti has even stated that the decision to depict Richie as gay in IT Chapter Two was based on this interpretation of the book.
The Aftermath: A Discussion of Representation
The adaptation has sparked mixed reactions, which is to be expected when altering characterizations and themes in a beloved story. The film took subtext from the book and placed it within the canon. This led to discussions around its effectiveness, and the potential impact on audiences.
Some praise the film for offering some visibility and representation, portraying a complex character arc of a man battling his own sexuality and internalized homophobia. Other people feel it comes short of being adequate and feel it is a trope-driven addition to a popular story.
In Conclusion: Nuance and Interpretation
Ultimately, whether you view the film's take on Richie's sexuality as successful or not is up to individual interpretation. The fact remains that IT Chapter Two chose to engage with a queer reading of the text, exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and the lasting impact of prejudice. It's a reminder that stories, like life, are not always simple, and there is always room for different interpretations.
Key Takeaways
- The film adaptation of IT Chapter Two explicitly reveals that Richie Tozier is gay.
- The book's author has stated that this was not his original intent.
- The film's portrayal of Richie's sexuality is a response to modern views on representation.
- The adaptation led to a variety of reactions among fans and critics.