Analysing opening scenes of coming of age films, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The first film I will be looking at is The Perks of being a Wallflower

The opening scene of The Perks of Being a Wallflower effectively sets the stage for the coming-of-age genre through its themes, characters, editing, and camera work. Here’s a breakdown:

Themes
1. Identity and Self-Discovery: Charlie, the protagonist, is introduced as a socially awkward teenager who struggles with his identity. He writes letters to a friend, which reflects his inner struggle to understand himself and the world around him.
2. Isolation and neglect: Charlie expresses his feelings of loneliness and detachment, which are central themes in coming-of-age stories. His desire to find connection and his attempt to fit in with a new group of friends are key moments.
3. Growth and Change: Although it is subtle in the opening scene, the idea that Charlie will go through personal growth is shown. The shift from his isolated state to interacting with others foreshadows his social development.

Characters

Charlie, The protagonist, embodies the typical coming-of-age character. He’s sensitive, introverted, and on the cusp of discovering who he truly is. His letters, addressed to an anonymous friend, provide a window into his thoughts.

The Anonymous Friend, while not a physical character, the anonymous friend symbolises Charlie’s need for connection, as he writes these letters to process his thoughts and emotions.

Other Teen Characters, Sam and Patrick In the background of this scene, there are subtle hints that Charlie’s future friends, Sam and Patrick, will play crucial roles in his personal growth and help him break out of his shell.

Editing

1. Straight Cuts: The scene uses clean cuts to move between shots, making the transitions feel realistic.

2. Voiceover Narration: Charlie’s letters are narrated as a voiceover, giving insight into his thoughts and feelings.

3. Close-ups: The opening scene often focuses on Charlie’s face, using close-ups to capture his quiet emotions, like his nervousness and sense of being an outsider.

4. Wide Shots: When Charlie is at school or interacting with others, the camera pulls back to show him in the larger context, emphasising his sense of isolation or being a small part of the crowd.

5. Point of View Shots: There are moments where the camera seems to adopt Charlie’s point of view, such as when he watches others or feels overwhelmed by a situation.

Music

The music in the opening scene is another important element that evokes a coming-of-age vibe. The use of music connects to the emotional feeling of adolescence, of trying to figure out where you belong and what you care about.