An important feature of coming of age is the use of alcohol and drugs and the impact this can have on a growing teenager. Throughout the film, Charlie experiences this through the vulnerability …show more content…
In the beginning of the film, Charlie struggles with making friends in the first couple of days of his freshman year. Charlie adapts and interacts well with people and is able to make friends easily and quickly. Chbosky portrays this idea in the wide angle shot of the large crowd in the football game, when Charlie approached Patrick and says “Hey Patrick”. "Hey, you're in my shop class”, says Patrick. Eventually Charlie is told to sit next to him and they continue their friendly conversation and with time meets a girl named Sam. From then onwards they made good friends and was later introduced to more people. Chbosky highlights the fact that Charlie becomes easily able to seek a conversation with someone in front of a large crowd, from which then lead to an invitation to his first ever party. At the party Charlie became emotional after realising the fact that he was being noticed and appreciated by the group of his presence. Patrick raised his drink and asked everyone to do the same. “To Charlie” and the whole group said, “To Charlie". Chbosky shows in the wide shot angle of when Charlie was drinking his milkshake and sitting on a lower level than his two other friends, that he has become recognised by the group, being the centre of attention by being himself, he gains the trust of others and is told important secrets compared to his original life. Charlie demonstrates the benefits of being a wallflower