Perks of Being a Wallflower... film & book review!
I realise the logical way of writing this would be to start with the film and then talk about the book, however, the catch is I watched the film (alas) before I read the book, so to me it makes better sense to talk about the film first.
I completely fell in love with this film when I watched it in the cinema, to the point where I would not shut up about it (my flatmates will testify to this). I went with my boyfriend who has the complete opposite taste in films to me, but even he loved it, that on its own should give credit to the film!
What I loved about it was that it was the first new film in forever that actually made me think. And I don't mean in a Inception or Matrix this has blown my mind kind of way. I mean that this film really made me think about issues that every day people go through and the need for compassion. (Howeverrrr, this reading of the story changed when I actually read the book. Not the needfor compassion that was central to the book, but the realisation that shit happens and life moves on seemed like the most important message to me)
The film portrayed the relationships between the characters so well and you really believe that everyone is friends. The Mary Elizabeth/Charlie relationship is particularly hilarious. This definatly benefited the film, as although it shows some pretty hard hitting issues, the relationships keep you hooked to the film rather than merely crying at the terrible state of the world.
The portrayal of Patrick and Brads relationship was also senstivly done. However, the fight scene and Patrick's emotion added that raw egde that was needed to get the audience to invest in Patrick's pain. I actually found some of these scenes pretty shocking, which only revealed how gay relationships need to be shown more often on the screen! It should not be a shock, it should be the same as any other relationship. What should be shocking is abusive relationships.
On a lighter not the music wasss imense, The Come on Eileen dance (excuse the shoddy spelling) is unmissable and you can't help smiling and singing along! Or you know, pretending to sing along if you sound like me.
Also I won't give the ending away but I was shocked! However, not as shocked as the ending when I read the book, as although I knew what was coming, the twist was more cleverly disguised than in the film.
Now on to the important bit the book! (Tom if you are reading this- which I doubt you are ;)- Sorry I read it before hol, I'll bake you the best flapjack ever :)... and maybe buy you a terrys choc orange :) )
So although I should be revising and writing my dissertation this hol, I spent a weekend reading POBAW insted! (Well worth it.) It was a slow start I have to admit.. I started reading it and was like.. what the hell- how is this a cult book the writer can't write!! But I stuck with it and I'm so glad I did (as are the publishers I bet) as the writing gets better! As Charlie's essays improve so does his letters, in such a subtle way you barley even notice the transition, and yet the book is so much more enjoyable for it. Wierd comment on writing I guess.
There are two main differences between the book and the film...
1) Charlie's waaaay more fucked up in the book
2) The book gives much better depth and emphasis on family life than the film
I know that the writer of the book did direct the film, so technically you could not get a better representation of the book, buuuuuut, in my (oh so grand and right ;) ) opinion the film would have benefited from showing more of Charlie and his sister's relationship. It is definatly a central and important part to the plot and shows a real genuine realistic portrayal of siblings. Also his sister's just cool.
Annndd I don't want to give the plot away but to anyone whos read it .... WHY DID THEY MISS OUT THAT BITT?? You'll know the bit I mean.
Also note to Charlie from the book.... stopppp cryingggg!!!!!
Ah and in reference to Charlie's messed upness... I guess it is hard to portray on film as you can't see inside his head like you can in the novel. But he does pretty much come across as a bit of a looney. I thought I over thought, no no no, hats off to charlie for that!
I have to admit I really enjoyed this book, and I loved the fact it kept referring to other great classics (including my all mighty author crush Fitzgerald twice.... score). Promoting reading is always a good thing in my mind!
So on that note, if you made to the bottom of this long rambling blog, go read POBAW.
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