Charlie Book Comparison
As a result, the change in format between the text and the film allow readers to better understand Charlie and his mental illnesses. Furthermore, viewers also gain a clearer storyline of the novel while being able to further analyze Charlie’s character. Another distinct difference that is depicted between the film and the novel is the characterization of the main characters of the novel. In the novel, Charlie gets in a fight with a kid named Sean after receiving bullying threats: “He seemed pretty unhappy as well, and I told him so. Then, he got mad and started hitting me, and I just did the things my brother taught me to do. My brother is a very good fighter… I really hurt Sean” (7). As a result of this scene in the novel, readers gain a
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In the film, Charlie is portrayed as more humorous and sociable, albeit a little awkward. His ill mental state is hard to pick up on based off of his actions in the film. Charlie is also portrayed as being much bolder in contrast to the novel. His interactions between Sam and Patrick are more highlighted and upbeat. This is due to the film portraying Charlie’s life in a third point of view. This results in less of Charlie’s wallowing tendencies. In the novel, Charlie is constantly described as being very emotional. On many occasions, Charlie cries: “I started to cry. It was real and panicky, and I couldn’t stop it” (136). In this occasion, Charlie cries when he mistakenly kisses Sam instead of his girlfriend when asked, “Kiss the prettiest girl” (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), in a game of truth or dare. This change helps to streamline the storyline of the novel, while making the film more uplifting for viewers. As the critics explain, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower successfully juggles a number of taboo topics – relying heavily on subtlety in its adherence to PG-13 rating restrictions. This isn’t to say that the movie is dark and depressing because it’s actually a very uplifting and fun theater experience; however, filmgoers who aren’t prepared for a challenging time at the movies might be a little blindsided by certain elements of the plot” (www.progressivepress.net). As
In the film, Charlie is portrayed as more humorous and sociable, albeit a little awkward. His ill mental state is hard to pick up on based off of his actions in the film. Charlie is also portrayed as being much bolder in contrast to the novel. His interactions between Sam and Patrick are more highlighted and upbeat. This is due to the film portraying Charlie’s life in a third point of view. This results in less of Charlie’s wallowing tendencies. In the novel, Charlie is constantly described as being very emotional. On many occasions, Charlie cries: “I started to cry. It was real and panicky, and I couldn’t stop it” (136). In this occasion, Charlie cries when he mistakenly kisses Sam instead of his girlfriend when asked, “Kiss the prettiest girl” (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), in a game of truth or dare. This change helps to streamline the storyline of the novel, while making the film more uplifting for viewers. As the critics explain, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower successfully juggles a number of taboo topics – relying heavily on subtlety in its adherence to PG-13 rating restrictions. This isn’t to say that the movie is dark and depressing because it’s actually a very uplifting and fun theater experience; however, filmgoers who aren’t prepared for a challenging time at the movies might be a little blindsided by certain elements of the plot” (www.progressivepress.net). As