Visual Text 2: ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’
Reading for Information: Skim & Scan Reading Activity
‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ on Netflix is a 2012 American coming-of-age drama
film written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on Chbosky's 1999 novel of the same
name. Logan Lerman stars as a teenager named Charlie who writes to an unnamed friend, and
these epistles chronicle his trials, tribulations, and triumphs as he goes through his first year
of high school.
The film depicts his struggles with his, unknown to him, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as he
goes through his journey in high school making new friends. The film's ensemble cast also
features Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Nina
Dobrev, Johnny Simmons, Erin Wilhelmi, Melanie Lynskey, Paul Rudd and Joan Cusack.
Chbosky had always intended to adapt the novel to film, but did not rush to do so. He was
hesitant to sell the rights to the film to anyone, but eventually sold them to Mr. Mudd
Productions as long they let him write and direct the film.
‘The Perks Of Being A Wallflower’ premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film
Festival followed by the United States' theatrical release on September 21, 2012. The film
received positive reviews, with praise for Chbosky's screenplay and direction, the
performances (particularly that of Lerman, Watson, and Miller), soundtrack, execution of its
topics, and emotional weight. It was also a commercial success, earning $33.4 million to a
budget of $13 million, and received several accolades, including the Independent Spirit Award
for Best First Feature, two Critics' Choice Movie Awards nominations, including Best Adapted
Screenplay for Chbosky, and the 2013 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film – Wide
Release.
Film Trailer on
You Tube:
Scan Here!
61