Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, The Perks of Being a Wallflower charts the coming of age journey of Charlie, a quiet but endearing freshman in high school. Following his explorations and challenges in a letter formatted narration, Charlie speaks to the viewers of everyday struggles as he tries to understand.
Although I watched and bought this film back when it was released, I only just got round to listening to the director and cast audio commentary on the DVD a few days ago; inspiring me to write this review. There really is true depth and surprise in every re-watch of this film due to it's ability to get anyone to relate.
Having the same writer of the novel write the screenplay was a genius decision as Stephen Chbosky captures the same beautiful essence of first encounters and innocence in the screenplay. Doubling up as the film's director, the whole composition of Perks oozes the same tone as the novel, making it one of the most accurate book to movie adaptations. As well as including startlingly harsh scenes of topics rarely discussed, Chbosky's script still retains humour and wit. There isn't a shortage of smart one-liners that were so befitting with the characters and moments, that when more serious scenes ensued, both became hyper-realistic in comparison.
However, undoubtedly, the film's real asset is its choice of a stellar cast. Front-lined by a powerful performance by Logan Lerman (Charlie), there are similarly strong additions of Emma Watson (Sam), with her first breakthrough part since Harry Potter; Ezra Miller (Patrick), who brings brilliant comedy to the film as well as executing his own emotive storyline; as well as Mae Whitman (Mary Elizabeth) and Paul Rudd to name a few. Individually, every member brought something magical to the movie, but once all together, the way in which they all interacted made their friendships and relationships seem so convincing that nothing made me doubt that these were a real group of friends going through the same heartbreaks and laughters as ourselves. Some of my favourite scenes were those of the main friendship group where you could tell how real and organic their acting became; for example in the living room of Sam and Patrick's house during Christmas where the team chuckle and playfully insult one another as they play Secret Santa. Cue one of my favourite Patrick quotes: "Mary Elizabeth, why are you trying to eat Christmas?"
Another aspect of the film that I absolutely adored was the soundtrack. As well as the all important "Asleep" by The Smiths, the soundtrack also included the perfect tunnel song - "Heroes" by David Bowie, and a score that managed to radiate compassion, nostalgia and innocence. The majority of the score were these gentle tinkling piano notes that fit with the closeness of the cinematography. And of course, there was the brilliant moment at the Homecoming Dance where Sam, Patrick and Charlie dance away their youth with a backdrop of Dexy's Midnight Runners with "Come on Eileen".
Comedy aside, the artistic execution of this film is of such high calibre. The only way I can describe the style and cinematography is beautiful. Every shot of the film was so incredibly beautiful. With intimate camera shots that got right to the heart of the characters and their emotions and struggles, the camera filter itself had this old-style fuzziness where the edges seemed slightly out-of-focus and frequent appearances of bright lights would bleed into a visually stunning luminosity. This was such a brilliant effect as it added a subtle feeling of remembrance and dreaminess which led to even more honesty and familiarity in the viewing experience. Especially during my first watch in front of the large engulfing cinema screen, I was completely absorbed by Charlie's story. The wide shots in conjunction with the gentle music all encompassed to this out-of-world experience where it felt as if I were literally crawling into the mind of someone else. I eventually became unconscious of the fact I was watching someone else's story but believed that I had been assessing the sadnesses and happinesses in my own life, and my own mind in turn.
So when the film closes with that last pass through the Pittsburgh tunnel, you don't just see the characters transforming, but you feel changed yourself. It is one of the simplest but most cathartic endings I've seen in a good while and I come away from the film each time feeling different about myself.
"You are alive, and you stand up and see the lights on the buildings and everything that makes you wonder. And you're listening to that song and that drive with the people you love most in this world. And in this moment I swear, we are infinite."
I absolutely recommend this film to anyone, and although it is hard-hitting and emotional, there is such a myriad of emotions that are experienced whilst watching that the film definitely endures long after the credits have rolled.
(Pictures from of imdb.com and kissthemgoodbye.net with some self-editing.)
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