The Perks Of Being A Wallflower Review

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower Review

Cast: Logan Lerman, Dylan McDermott, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd, Mae Whitman
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Drama, Romance
Rated: M
Running Time: 109 minutes

Synopsis: An introvert freshman is taken under the wings of two seniors who welcome him to the real world.

Verdict: The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is a stunning coming of age story written and directed by Stephen Chbosky. It tells of Charlie (played by Logan Lerman), an introverted and thoughtful Pittsburgh teen trying to survive his high school years. It travels seamlessly through the valleys and peaks of adolescence, the fears and elations that come from self-discovery, conforming and just growing up.

The film bravely touches on several poignant subject's exploring; sexuality, depression, grief, drugs, abuse, anxiety and suicide with absolute candour and sensitivity. Charlie's journey is one the audience immediately feels connected to; instinctively we remember our teenage years and the feelings those memories conjure up.

These themes form the basis for Charlie's journey. He is a bright, literary, introverted schoolboy with a history of depression. He is the wallflower. Charlie meets eccentric seniors Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), a stepbrother and sister duo bound to show him a reality beyond his imagination. 'Welcome to the island of misfit toys", Sam declares during his first party and so a friendship between the threesome is formed.

'You see things you understand them, you're a wallflower". Chbosky delves into the adolescent mind, unafraid of what he might find there. Set in the nineties Charlie excitably uncovers; David Bowie, The Smiths, Bruce Springsteen, The Rocky Horror Show and mix tapes. He devours the classic books his English teacher offers him, developing his skills while he dreams of becoming a writer. Through his diary we are privy to his every thought; on heartbreak, loss, high school, depression, love and his friends. He feels empathy for those around him; for their loss, their pain, their confusion but ultimately he finds strength to overcome his own.

Despite the serious nature of the film, interlaced throughout are tactful moments of honest humour and wit that embrace the teen spirit. 'Are you baked?" Patrick asks at a party. 'Like a cake." Charlie replies leaving the cinema audience in fits of giggles.

With Stephen Chbosky at the helm, this adaptation is near flawless as the novels author, films screenwriter and director The Perks Of Being A Wallflower becomes the closest print to film adaptation conceivable. It always remains faithful to the core of the novel, the few omitted elements never detracting from the heart of the story and experiencing the full spectrum of emotions it evokes. In order to initially get the project off the ground, actress Emma Watson (Sam) scouted support from Summit Entertainment gathering enough finance to eventually ensure the films production. After finally seeing his work come to fruition on the cinema screen Stephen says 'I've learned that anything is possible".

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower has been deemed a -modern classic' for its authentic depiction of teen life and struggles. It's so unique in its outright sincerity, it feels fleeting, a film so fresh in its portrayal of youth that it is unassuming. Don't blink; don't miss a frame, a moment. The performances are so solid that you can completely immerse yourself in their journey. To discover who you are or who you want to become. And Charlie? He emerges a participator in life. 'Right now we are alive and in this moment I swear we are infinite."
Katya Hone

Release Date: November 29th, 2012
Website: www.perks-of-being-a-wallflower.com