The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Bibliographic Information: Chbosky, S. (Producer) & Chbosky, S. (Director). (2013). The perks of being a wallflower [DVD]. United States: Summit.

Cast: Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller

Plot Summary: Charlie is starting his first year of high school with no friends. Some seniors (Sam and her step-brother Patrick) introduce him to their social circle, where he is embraced as one of the wallflowers, and participates in some very grown up activities: mistakenly eating a pot-brownie, getting mixed up in a few love triangles with girls (and boys), going on driving adventures, and participating in a production of the Rocky Horror Picture show. On one memorable night, they drive through a very long tunnel, a song plays that no one has heard before, and Sam stands in the back of the truck with her arms outstretched. Intrigued, Charlie feels attracted to Sam. His new friends are always there for him, and he stands up for them in return, but since they are seniors, they will be leaving for college soon, and he will be back at square one.

            Meanwhile, Patrick keeps having flashback of his aunt who died when he was seven. He remembers loving her even more than his own family, and during an emotional collapse at the end of the film, his doctors reveal that he was molested by his aunt and had repressed the memory. He stick to his therapy, and meets up with Sam and Patrick after she’s been away at Pennsylvania State University. Sam finds out that the “tunnel song” was “Heroes” by David Bowie, and they return to the tunnel, where Charlie now stands in the truck, feeling “infinite.”

Critical Evaluation: Between the film and the book of the same name, I’m not quite sure what stands out about this simple yet moving story. Perhaps it is the subtle weaving of great bands like the Smiths and David Bowie that litter the soundtrack, or maybe it’s just the emotional honesty. Lines about feeling “infinite” sound cheesy out of context, but in the dreamy depiction of teenage freedom and potential, they are quite fitting. The sentimental tone of this movie makes it stand out, but so does the inclusion of LGBTQ themes and struggles. Charlie’s struggle is quintessentially young adult, but it is unique in that he has faced trauma: the suicide of his best friend Michael before high school, and the abuse he received from his aunt, followed by her tragic death. Charlie’s character adopts healthy coping mechanisms, such as writing to no one, that give troubled teens a glimpse of hope by suggesting they “write” their own destinies.

Reader’s Annotation: Charlie has had a rough year and can’t wait to start his first year of high school on a positive note. Too bad that’s impossible.

Director Information: Gale’s Contemporary Authors Online states, “Pennsylvania-born screenwriter, stage writer, and television writer Stephen Chbosky is also the author of the coming-of-age novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower. 

Chbosky did not intend The Perks of Being a Wallflower to be a young-adult novel, but because of its graphic focus on adolescent life it has been viewed as such by many critics. In an interview with Marty Beckerman for wordriot.com, Chbosky discussed how he responded to the criticism and controversy that followed the book's publication. "It's hard, because I didn't write it to be challenged. I didn't write it to be a controversial book. I can't really take it as a point of pride because it was banned someplace." Instead, Chbosky has reacted by "mourning the fact that people can't agree to disagree, and people can't find common ground. The people who object for moral reasons cannot see the value of the book, and the people who see the value of the book don't realize why it's upsetting to more religious people."

Genre: Comedy/Drama

Subjects: high school, fitting in, friendship, love, sexual abuse,

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: What does Charlie mean when he says he feels infinite?

What songs mean the most to you and why?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 14+

Challenge Issues/Defense: Due to depictions of drug and alcohol use, sexual themes, and sexual abuse, this film may be challenged. If so, refer to:

 1. The San Francisco Public Library Collection Development Policy, Selection Criteria, and Teen Collection documents.

2.     The California Department of Education District Selection Policies.

3.     A hard copy of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

4.     Mixed reviews and list of awards won and nominated for.

5.     If necessary, The San Francisco Public Library’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Reason for Selection: This is a heartwarming film that culminates all of the experiences of high school: struggling to fit and finally finding acceptance in unlikely people who are quirky and smart and introduce you to great music. It depicts a range of teen emotions in a very poetic way. Fans of the book will enjoy seeing the characters on screen.