Hi everyone!
Today's blog post is actually more interesting than usual, mainly because of two things: 1. I get to pick what film I want to talk about, and 2. I will be analyzing how the film represents teenagers. The Perks of Being a Wallflower has been one of my favorite movies since I first watched it in 7th grade, still living in Brazil, and it's actually quite funny because the title of the movie is in Portuguese "The Advantages of Being Invisible", which was what drew me to the movie in the first place.
Probably one of the reasons why this film is one of my favorites is because it avoids illustrating youth in terms of traditional social stereotypes. Instead, it emphasizes the fluidity and complexities of their interactions. Brad and other "popular kids" aren't narrow-minded bullies; beyond the confidence, we see vulnerabilities and concerns. Sam and Patrick's "alternative" crowd isn't just a monolith of revolt; their uniqueness shows through, showing internal tensions and undiscovered layers to teenagers' minds.
The piece is also not afraid to go deep into teenager's concerns, issues, anxieties, etc. The protagonists struggle with self-doubt, peer pressure, and the ever-present adolescent crisis. Charlie's battles with depression and trauma are portrayed with raw honesty, whilst Sam and Patrick's battles with self-identity during a deciding year of their lives showcase compassion but also the loneliness of the process of moving away.
