It is common to be disappointed with movie adaptations of wildly popular novels. However, this tendency, luckily, rings false for this fall’s release of Perks of Being a Wallflower. The accurate and engaging adaptation of the novel probably succeeded because the author of the original novel, Stephen Chobsky, also directed the film. His storytelling talents ring true throughout this coming of age film.
From the beginning, the audience connects with the friendless and quiet protagonist Charlie, played by Logan Lerman. He has a dark past and lives in the shadow of his older, much cooler brother and popular, pretty sister. Charlie begins this chapter of his new life by counting down the days until his high school career is over. He is brighter than his inadequate freshman peers, and on his first day makes only one friend, his English teacher played by Paul Rudd. As the weeks go by, Charlie, finds himself befriending the class clown and fellow odd ball, senior Patrick, played by Ezra Miller. Patrick is loud, uninhibited, flamboyantly gay, and the step brother and best friend of Sam. Sam, played by Emma Watson, is both the beautiful and the damned. She loves quality music, and dates only older men who do nothing but abuse and cheat her. Charlie’s friendship with Patrick and Sam exposes him to a whole new social group described by Sam as “The Island of the Misfit Toys.”
This film is unique in its ability to fully engross itself in the challenges of growing up without resorting to a sort of simulated standard plot. It slowly breaks down each character to the core, by exposing the truly vulnerable side of these quirky teens. Chbosky seamlessly translates his novel to the screen by subtly weaving together the heavy moments one can experience in high school in a jarringly realistic manner. There is nothing that goes undiscussed. Drinking, drugs, unrequited love, sexual abuse, sexual orientation, uncertainty of the future, and the power of the single moment are somehow all addressed cohesively and meaningfully throughout the story. This jam-packed film would seem trite if not for its commitment to emotional honesty throughout the film.
In this film, music is a bond and a communicative device between many of the characters. The characters’ classification and appreciation for good music, like The Smiths and Dexys Midnight Runners, is a large part of their social interactions. Mix tapes are constantly transferred back and forth often conveying certain emotions from one character to the other. With the help of music, Chbosky tempers the heavy themes in the film through comedic lines and scenes delivered by the charismatic cast. Ezra Miller stands out among the three main characters as the clear star within the group. His performance is funny, heartwarming, and supremely gratifying. Miller performs with absolute ease as he takes on Patrick’s drag performance in the Rocky Horror Picture Show or gets into a fight in the cafeteria. Miller displays his varied talent on the screen making it clear that he is an actor clearly on his way to bigger stardom. Logan Lerman establishes himself as a young actor with an ability to play a wallflower without falling into a forgettable performance. He is insightful and careful with his performance, allowing the audience to experience the story in an honest manner. Emma Watson graces her audience with her first post Harry Potter role on screen with a delightful performance. Her performance is not as strong as her male counterparts, yet she is able to convincingly portray a young damaged girl who desires a bigger and better life for her. The trio has great onscreen chemistry and effectively conveys the strong bonds of friendship in a passionate manner. Perks of Being a Wallflower sincerely opens up an array of wounds through honesty and innocence.
What more can you ask of a coming of age film?