Emily Carter
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a 2012 film based on the novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky, who also directed the film. The story revolves around Charlie, a socially awkward teenager who has recently been discharged from a psychiatric hospital and is navigating the trials and tribulations of high school. While the initial set-up of the film resembles a typical teen chick flick, many viewers and critics have noted that it subverts expectations by presenting mature characters dealing with thought-provoking issues and conflicts in a realistic and heartfelt manner. The film received positive reviews for its direction, performances, and emotional weight, becoming a cult classic among Zillennials and defining the Tumblr era in the early 2010s.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Initial set-up | Resembles a usual teen chick flick |
| Storyline | Based on the trials and tribulations of social misfits in high school |
| Characters | Mature and not portrayed as childishly egoistic |
| Issues | Thought-provoking |
| Cast | Superb young actors |
| Awards | Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature, GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film – Wide Release, Critics' Choice Movie Awards nominations |
| Rating | 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 out of 100 on Metacritic |
| Gross | $33.3 million worldwide |
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What You'll Learn
Critical acclaim
While some viewers have described the film adaptation of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" as a chick flick, it has also received critical acclaim. The film has been praised for its strong lead performances and its sincere and heartfelt portrayal of the teenage experience. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes describes the film as "a very lively film whose ending gives a sensation of leaving behind a youth that, although dramatic, love-filled and happy, is never permanent". Another reviewer on Reddit calls it a "beautifully crafted film", and a "great coming-of-age flick".
The original novel, written by Stephen Chbosky and published in 1999, has also received widespread acclaim. It is considered a beloved classic in the young adult genre, offering a poignant and honest portrayal of the complexities of growing up in high school. Through the narrative of Charlie, the protagonist, readers are taken on an emotional journey of self-discovery, friendship, love, and the challenges of adolescence. Chbosky's writing is described as heartfelt and sincere, successfully drawing readers into Charlie's world and eliciting empathy and understanding for his struggles. The novel's message of hope and compassion has resonated with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
The film adaptation, directed by Chbosky himself, has been praised for its strong performances by a superb cast of young actors, including Emma Watson and Ezra Miller. One reviewer on IMDb notes that the film "surprised" them, as despite its initial set-up resembling a typical teen chick flick, the rest of the movie deviated from those tropes. The reviewer commends the film for its mature portrayal of characters and their complex issues, as well as the realistic outcomes of typical high school conflicts. The only critique mentioned is the absence of humour.
Overall, both the novel and its film adaptation of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" have been critically acclaimed for their sincere and heartfelt exploration of the teenage experience, with the film further praised for its strong performances and deviation from typical chick flick tropes.
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![The Perks of Being a Wallflower [Blu-ray] [Region2] Requires a Multi Region Player](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91giOhrQ8wL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Perks of Being a Wallflower [DVD] [2012] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cexC6cjOL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Realistic portrayal of high schoolers
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age film that has been praised for its realistic portrayal of high schoolers. The film follows Charlie, a shy and introverted teenager with clinical depression, through his freshman year of high school. Charlie navigates between adolescence and adulthood, dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexuality, and the overall struggles of growing up.
The film has been lauded for its honest and authentic representation of teenage mental health. Many viewers have found the film relatable, resonating with Charlie's struggles and his journey of finding himself. The film does not shy away from addressing heavy topics, such as drug use, sex, and profanity, which are often glossed over in mainstream media. It sheds light on the overwhelming pressure and emotions that high schoolers can experience, providing a useful perspective for students facing similar challenges.
However, some critics have offered a less favorable view, arguing that the portrayal of teenage issues is idealized. For instance, Jack Wilson of The Age comments that the script feels "transparently fake," toning down aspects of adolescent behavior to cater to the American mainstream. Additionally, the casting of actors in their twenties to play teenage characters has been criticized for lacking authenticity.
Despite these criticisms, the film has found a dedicated audience among high school students who appreciate its representative and relatable nature. The Perks of Being a Wallflower offers a thoughtful exploration of the highs and lows of adolescence, capturing the feeling of belonging and isolation that many young people experience.
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![Chick Flick [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61AiFeeEhyL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" received critical acclaim, with several reviewers praising its emotional impact and authenticity. The music in the film has been described as a mixtape-like intimacy that echoes the connections between the characters and resonates with listeners.
The soundtrack includes songs from the 1980s and 1990s by artists such as David Bowie, The Smiths, Sonic Youth, and Dexys Midnight Runners. The inclusion of these songs is significant as the film is based in the '90s, adding to the authenticity of the story. One notable example is the use of David Bowie's "'Heroes'" in a pivotal tunnel scene, providing an epic and driving energy to the moment. Another iconic moment is when the characters Sam and Charlie attend a dance, and "Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners is playing, with Sam commenting on the "good music".
The music in the film has been carefully curated by Alexandra Patsavas, and it has been praised for hitting the necessary emotional cues without overselling them. The soundtrack also includes modern songs, reflecting the director Chbosky's intention to create a mix tape of songs from different eras that resonated with him and the film's characters.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is available on various music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon, featuring 11 or 12 songs.
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Main character's mental health
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age film that explores the depth and emotion of its characters. The story is told from the perspective of Charlie, a high school freshman dealing with interpersonal struggles and mental health issues.
Charlie, the main character, is based on the author himself, Chbosky. The novel and film adaptation include many of Chbosky's own memories and experiences, including his struggles with mental health. In the film, Charlie experiences flashbacks that are indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is triggered by multiple traumatic events in his life, including being molested by his Aunt Helen as a child, her subsequent death in a car accident on his birthday, and the suicide of his best friend.
The film accurately portrays a high schooler struggling with PTSD and has been praised for reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. It highlights that people around those with mental health issues may be struggling with invisible battles. The film also addresses other themes of adolescence, such as sexuality, drug use, rape, and mental health, making references to other literary works like "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Catcher in the Rye."
The Perks of Being a Wallflower has sparked discussions about the depth and emotion of its characters, with viewers finding themselves engrossed in the story. The realistic portrayal of the main character's mental health journey, along with the mature way in which the issues are addressed, sets this film apart from the typical teen chick flick.
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Coming-of-age story
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age story that explores the life of Charlie, a freshman in high school who has suffered from clinical depression since childhood and has recently been discharged from a psychiatric hospital. The story is told from Charlie's perspective as he navigates the trials and tribulations of being a social misfit and forms new friendships with a pair of charismatic seniors.
The film adaptation, directed by Stephen Chbosky, received critical acclaim for its heartfelt and sincere portrayal of the characters' struggles and triumphs. It premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and became a cult classic, particularly among Zillennials, defining the "Tumblr era" of the early 2010s. The film's strong performances, direction, and emotional weight contributed to its success, with lead actors Lerman, Watson, and Miller receiving praise.
While some viewers and critics have labeled the film as a "chick flick," particularly due to its initial set-up and focus on relationships and social dynamics, others argue that it transcends this label. The characters' maturity, the depth of the issues they face, and the realistic portrayal of conflicts set The Perks of Being a Wallflower apart from typical teen movies. The story's thought-provoking nature and exploration of universal themes of love, self-worth, and personal struggles have resonated with audiences, making it a beloved and impactful film for many.
The film's impact is further enhanced by its accompanying soundtrack, curated by Chbosky and music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas. Released before the film, the soundtrack features a diverse range of songs that hold personal significance for Chbosky and complement the narrative's emotional depth.
Overall, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age story that defies simple categorization. Its exploration of complex themes, mature characters, and universal struggles have resonated with audiences, solidifying its place as a beloved cult classic that transcends labels.
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Frequently asked questions
While the film does centre around a high school freshman and has elements of a typical high school movie, it is not a chick flick. The characters are portrayed as mature and the film deals with thought-provoking issues.
The film follows a socially awkward high school freshman, Charlie, who has suffered from clinical depression since childhood and has been discharged from a psychiatric hospital. He is taken under the wing of a pair of charismatic seniors.
The film stars Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Logan Lerman.
The film was well-received by critics, who praised the screenplay, direction, performances, soundtrack, execution of its topics and emotional weight. It was also a box office success, grossing $33.3 million on a budget of $13 million. It has since become a cult classic.
You can watch the film with a subscription on Max, or buy it on Fandango at Home.
