A lonely freshman befriends two seniors and gets to experience life for what it really is.
The epitome of modern American indie cinema! Watching it again eight years later, I realised the film hadn’t aged a day. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller make an incredible acting trio; their chemistry lies in the details. Pay attention to the simplistic beauty when a “baked” Charlie unintentionally tells Sam about his best friend or when Patrick dances on Charlie’s lap during The Rocky Horror Picture Show scene. Even though not saying or doing much, Paul Rudd is an inspiring and great addition to the cast.
Author of the book, screenwriter, and director Stephen Chbosky shocks his audience with his character-driven achievement. Each sequence amalgamates with the next, and all of them masterfully compose an introverted teenager stepping into a life he once only dreamed of. If you’ve watched it, did you notice that they have no cell phones or are not talking about social media? Did you wonder what the date is? Since the first time I watched it, I have learned how to “read” films more concisely. Pay attention to the editing, for example. How much does it give away throughout the film about the ending? Ultimately, how much do you get to see, and how much is left to your imagination during the shockingly culminating scene?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower could have been an entirely different film in the hands of the late John Hughes, but as it stands, it is a must-watch and a reminder that sometimes, less is more. Its powerful narrative does not try to impress anyone; it just captivates everyone.
P.S. Charlie is an older freshman. I totally missed it the first time because I hadn’t read the book, but pay attention to the cake’s candles and link them later to the conversation he is having with his brother.
P.P.S My beloved Ioanna, you know this one goes out to you 🙂
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