The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a film adaptation of Stephen Chbowsky’s celebrated teen novel of the same name. Chbowsky took complete creative control and acted as both the director and screenplay writer. In doing so, the film remained faithful to the beloved novel and kept the essence of the text. Logan Lerman stars as Charlie, a shy, but very observant 16-year-old living in Pennsylvania. Lerman captivates the audience with his delicate and yearning ways that connects to viewers of all ages. Emma Watson sheds nearly a decade of playing Hermione in the Harry Potter series and emerges as Sam, one of Charlie’s best friends and secret love interest. Completing the trio is Ezra Miller, who portrays Patrick, an openly gay high school senior who also befriends Charlie. Together they play an honest group of friends going about the motions of high school. The film was given a $13 million budget and was produced by Mr. Mudd, a production company best known for the cult-following teen film, Juno. Summit Entertainment, most notable for the Twilight Saga, distributed the film worldwide. The Perks of Being a Wallflower was released on September 21st, 2012 in the United States in limited theaters and on September 23rd, 2012 in other countries. The film grossed $228,359 on its limited four theater-opening weekend. The film earned $17,742,948 in North America and $14,455,937 in other countries, for a worldwide total of $32,198,885. The film takes place in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is narrated by its protagonist, Charlie. Charlie is a quiet, reserved 16-year-old boy, entering his freshman year of high school. He is slow to make friends, but manages to connect with his English teacher. Eventually, Charlie befriends Sam and Patrick, a unique duo in the senior class. Realizing he has no other friends, they invite Charlie to be a member of their group. They quickly become inseparable; Sam and Patrick introduce Charlie to alcohol and marijuana and the Rocky