"The Perks Of Being A Wallflower" : A Beautiful Song In The Mixtape Of Life

One of the most common complaints from moviegoers is related to films that are based on novels. Most people agree that the book its always better, more detailed, etc. They failed to understand how different theses two mediums are. Their conventions, strengths,  and length make them unique in their own right. However,  it is true that most book-to-film adaptations lose most of the details, and are summarize into a couple hours. Even with this, the essence should still be there. When the essence of the story seems too far from the original material, it might be due to the process that goes into the adaptation. An author writes the original novel, then someone must translate that into a script, and then most of the time, another person will direct the film. This ends up creating a product that is now a mixture of the visions, ideas, and opinions of more than just the original author. It becomes a collaborative piece from its conception, and probably the author is not always satisfied with the portrayal of its characters on the screen.

This scenario does not apply to the film adaptation of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower", simply because the entire process from novel, to script, to film was headed by the same individual, keeping the soul of the story intact. This is a rare case, but a marvelous one for Stephen Chbosky who wrote the novel by the same title released in 1999. 13 years later he was able to adapt his own book into a script, and then direct it himself, which is perhaps the biggest accomplishment. The film never feels like a directorial debut, but like a beautifully crafted film  that emanates truth and vivid emotion. Keeping the literary nature of the story, but never sacrificing the need for a cinematic vision, Chbosky has become a storyteller that can cross the boundaries between paper and moving images. To settle down any speculation, right off the bat I must admit I loved the film, and it is by far one of the most rewarding emotional experiences I've had at the movies all year.What could have seem like one more run of the mill, coming of age, underdog, high school romance film, becomes a moving, hilarious, heartwarming ensemble piece. Needless to say, the film is the best example of a "wallflower" , not too flashy or extremely appealing at first, but once discovered, impossible to forget.

The film is an homage to adolescence in the 80's, but with timeless themes that resonate still today. Charlie ( Logan Lerman) is a quiet freshman in High School he seems to have had a rough past, and is emotionally fragile. Misunderstood like many at his age, he feels alone in a room full of people. His sister, brother, and ex-friends, seem to be too concerned with fitting in, and being liked. There is memories, and thoughts that haunt him, and that are only put to rest when he feels safe and loved by others. When he meets Patrick (Ezra Miller) at a football game, things start to change. He is introduced to Sam (Emma Watson) for whom he feels an instant connection. The trio starts developing a pure and loving friendship. Parties, drugs, fights, disappointments are all part of Charlie's real life education. Being the youngest of the group, he struggles with himself and his need to be liked by the older crowd. On the other hand Patrick faces a hidden homosexual relationship with a "macho"football player, while Sam pretends to turn her life around and go to college; while falling in love with the wrong guys. Charlie's love for Sam becomes his guiding light through the darkness in his past, and when the secrets are revealed, such love is the only thing that can save him from himself.

Logan Lerman is a REVELATION, his Charlie is a complex character which he plays beautifully. He is a mixture of hopelessness, and pure love, the kindest of them all, but with such pain inside that can make him dangerous. Lerman's character seeks desperately to be loved, and to show that he can love. He can really be defined by the most quotable line in the film "We accept the love we think we deserve", Charlie cant love himself until at last he meets his other broken half. This half is Emma Watson's Sam , who here shows she is much more as an actress than a magical kid icon. She is sleek, hurt, but radiant, and she has more in common with Charlie than she would like to admit. The chemistry is as good in the heartbreaking moments as in the glorious dance sequences. Last  but not least, there is Ezra Miller's show stopping character who delivers a performance to be remembered. Sassy, blunt, comedic and surely, broken as his other two teammates. Patrick is the shiniest star among the trio, and I assure you, he will steal the film in every scene. Such statement must be taken seriously as I have praised Lerman's flawless performance and Watson's incredible post-Potter breakthrough. Even Paul Rudd in a tiny role as Charlie's teacher feels tender and rings true. A grade "A" cast that will make you sigh, laugh, and more than likely even cry.

The perks of being a wallflower might be many, but here the biggest ones are the discovery of true friendship, and the most devoted love for those around you. Besides the endless cheerful, and hilarious moments, or the refreshing and original romance in this story full of 80's songs and mixtapes, Charlie truly is a beautiful song in the mixtape of life. That is Chbosky's greatest success, to create a character that comes from within him, from the original text to the screen, a real human being that is indeed "infinite". Still out in theaters. Grade A+