The Perks of Being a Wallflower

          When The Perks of Being a Wallflower was adapted into a movie, the author and director happened to be the same person. Stephen Chbosky’s novel is short and told in a one-sided format through letters written by the main character, Charlie. While the movie shows him more from an outside perspective, it still maintains Chbosky’s letter-writing style. Since the author of the book directed the movie, many of the changes that would have happened as a result of a Hollywood director working on the film were prevented. However, there were some changes made, but most of them were successful and made the movie even better.

            One of the largest differences between the two works is Charlie’s character. In the book, the reader is stuck in Charlie’s head throughout the whole thing, only allowing them to see him in one way. In the movie, the reader is able to see Charlie from the outside as well as the inside, and his character is a little more “well-rounded”. He is a little funnier, a little bolder and definitely less mopey over all.

            Another difference between the book and the movie is the tunnel scene. In the movie, as Charlie and his friends Patrick and Sam drive through the tunnel, the song playing on the car radio is “Heroes” by David Bowie. However, in the book the song is Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide”. While these songs have completely different meanings and sounds, it is relatively easy to see why the songs were changed. The song used in the movie is more uplifting and has a bit more inspiring message, which was useful in lightening up the movie.

            The price of the book in the U.S. can be anywhere from $3.50 and up, depending on where it is purchased. The movie sells for $5.00 or above.  

Ashlee Holtzclaw