The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Film Review by Imogene

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Directed: Stephan Chbosky

Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma, Watson, Paul Rudd, Johnny Simmons, Ezra Miller, Dylan McDermott, Kate Walsh, Nina Dobrev

Genre: Drama, Romance

Stars: 5/5

(Contains Spoilers)

I have to say for this actual film, I was never particularly bothered about seeing it upon its release, but after hearing it’s “film of the year” for 2012 and was highly rated by many sites and reviews – I decided to add it to my LoveFilm list. When it came through the post I was eager to watch it, to simply understand the hype for it. I have to say I was not at all disappointed. From the moment it started, till it finished, I was hooked!

The film starts with showing us Charlie (Logan Lerman) at a desk in his room on the eve of attending high school. He’s writing a letter to an unknown pen pal sharing his worries for the days and term ahead. Feeling like he’s not going to make friends, he just attends lessons and keeps his head down for the best part. He befriends his teacher Mr. Anderson (Paul Rudd) who picks up on his great abilities on English Language and starts giving him added assignments.

Charlie attends a school football game alone one evening and sits near the flamboyant Patrick (Ezra Miller). As they start to enjoy the game Sam (Emma Watson) joins with them and at that moment Charlie is hit by Sam’s beauty. He becomes acquainted to the pair and heads home in high spirits, only to arrive home to witness his sister Candance being attacked by her boyfriend. Charlie is nerved by this as his Aunt got abused by her partners before she died so he goes to help her only for her to swear him to secrecy from their parents.

At a homecoming party Charlie is stood alone around the edge of the hall, seeing his sister with her boyfriend he goes joins Patrick and Sam. After the homecoming he goes with them to a house party, there he meets Mary Elizabeth, Alice and Bob. He also gets to meet Sam’s boyfriend Craig and is instantly jealous. Bob encourages Charlie to eat a pot brownie (which he had no idea was one) and as he gets high all the party members are amused by the stuff he says. Sam saves his from total embarrassment as he says he want a strawberry milkshake and takes him to the kitchen where he compliments her on her eyes and then tells her about the death of his best friend. He then leaves the kitchen to go upstairs to the toilet and accidentally walks in on Patrick with Brad (Johnny Simmons) kissing. Patrick is panicked as Brad doesn’t want their relationship to get out (as his father doesn’t approve) and makes him promise he’ll never repeat what he saw. He agrees not to say anything. Sam meanwhile is left shocked and goes speaks to Patrick saying she doesn’t think he has any friends – they both welcome him with open arms into the group.

 

(Sam through the Tunnel)

Whilst they both drive Charlie home, an unknown song comes up on the radio and tells Patrick to drive through the tunnel, where she gets in the back of the pick up truck and waves her arms around. Charlie again is completely stunned by her natural beauty.

Sam doesn’t do too well in tests so in the coming months up to Christmas, Charlie says he would help her revise. At Christmas all the friends participate in a “Secret Santa” gift exchange. On the last night of the exchange Sam takes Charlie up to her room to show him, her gift – A typewriter. Charlie is wowed by this present. They start talking about first kisses and she shared that her first kiss was by her father’s boss who molested her in her younger years. He tells Sam that he’s never kissed anyone before and she says she want his first kiss to be by someone who loves him and the pair end up kissing.

On Charlie’s birthday he has flashbacks of his Aunt Helen who died in a car accident that same night after getting him a present. At a new years party he takes a LSD and has many flashbacks of the things that happened surrounding Aunt Helen's death and their relationship together, he gets found passed out by the police.

After being dismissed he attended a party with the gang and had Mary Elizabeth as a partner to the dance, they end up going back to her house and making out – she then announces he’s her boyfriend now. Charlie doesn’t really like her like that and ends up going along with it because he doesn’t know how to break up with M-E without hurting her feelings, but has no interest in her neediness. Whilst at a party with the gang they play truth or dare, Patrick on Charlies turn dares him to kiss the prettiest girl in the room, and everyone assumes he’d go for Mary Elizabeth but he jumps out at Sam. The pair is angry with what he did and Patrick tells him to give it time before approaching the group again.

 

(Charlie kisses Sam in the Dare)

Being back to being alone again, Charlie starts to isolate himself and the memories of Aunt Helen worsen. After meeting with Bob, Charlie finds out that Brads father found out about Brad and Patrick's relationship. He tries to talk to Patrick only for him to tell him to leave him alone for the moment. Brad is seen with a massive bruise on his face and tells people a wrong tale as to why he got the mark. Patrick walks by Brads table at lunch and he calls him a faggot – then the pair end up fighting on the cafeteria floor. Charlie intervenes and tells them to back off his friends.

Patrick is heartbroken that he and Brad had to end their relationship and ends up getting closer to Charlie. After they've been spending a lot of time together Patrick one night tries to kiss Charlie. With no reaction Patrick bursts into tears and apologises. Sam ends her relationship with Craig as she finds out he cheated on her 3 times.

Sam gets through to Graduation and is off to Penn State. After her leaving party, Charlie helps Sam pack her items up. Wondering why he never asked her out as she’s liked him, and talked of Craig and the relationship there she asked why does she always fall for people that aren’t good for her and Charlie replies “We accept the love we think we deserve”, after some more confessions the pair end up kissing and is stopped when she rubs the inner thigh, but resumes after he mentioned that it wasn’t anything that made him stop.

The next day he watches Sam leave for college and is feeling upset. Going home he receives more flashbacks of his repressed memories of Aunt Helen who used to abuse him as a young boy and ends up calling Cadence saying it was his fault she’s dead. Getting the police to the house so that Charlie couldn’t harm himself, before he could they got to him and he blacked out.

We then see him in a hospital confused as to why he’s there. The Doctor tells his parents of the damage that his Aunt did and that the reasons for his breakdowns were because of repressed memories. On being discharged Sam and Patrick meet with Charlie and go to a restaurant. On leaving Sam says she found out the name of the song that was playing when they first went through the tunnel together. Charlie gets in the back of the truck this time and screams on his way out of the tunnel.

I adored this film and like I said at the start I was hooked from the moment I turned it on to the moment the credits rolled. I’m glad it was a long film as I don’t think I would’ve been satisfied with it only being an hour long. The plot had plenty of room to develop and it did develop in an even pace which was perfect for this genre. There were no moments that I felt it was rushed – I got everything I wanted from the storyline.

I really liked Charlie’s character and loved the way he was portrayed as shy and nervous, it brought real depth to the film and the character. It also was lovely to see him grow more confident throughout the film. It was his story and it was well documented – I want to read the book now.

The whole crew was fantastic, it was especially nice to see not all well recognised cast members as it allowed there to be interest in how the character shall be played. I have to say it’s now one of my favourite films and shall enjoy watching once again someday!

I have given it a 5/5 because I felt it was very mysterious and gripping film, it was very interesting all round, there was never a moment where I felt like I was loosing interest or wondering what was going on – fabulous film!

Hope Springs: A Film Review by Imogene

Hope Springs

Directed: David Frankel

Starring: Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carrell, Jean Smart, Mimi Rogers

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Stars: 4.7/5

I really wanted to see this film as soon as it appeared in cinema but I never ended up going –  this happens too much! But I was awfully excited when it came through my letterbox. I couldn’t wait to see it, especially as Meryl Streep is in the cast, and after reading that it’s very good, I wanted to form my own opinion.

The film starts by showing us the lives of a middle age couple. They love and care for one another, but have forgotten how to show these feelings to each other. Sleeping in separate beds and living virtually individual lives, it shows that they barely speak, let alone show any affection, or share any intimacy together.

Kay (Meryl Streep) decides one day that she’s had enough of living in that way and goes to find some help to bring back the spark. She arrives at a bookstore and finds a book that she finds  has some helpful tips, it’s written by Dr. Feld (Steve Carrell). Kay tells Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) that she’s done with the past and wants them both to attend marriage counselling to get their marriage back to where it should be.

At first Arnold is reluctant to go as he doesn’t see why they need to go; as far as he sees it they’ve been perfectly fine for the last 31 years. Kay books a week intensive course for them to attend with Dr. Feld in a remote town in Maine, Great Hope Springs. Arnold isn’t best pleased as he has no mobile reception, and simply finds faults in everything that’s surrounding them. Kay tries to stay upbeat and positive, trying to encourage him to see things for what they really are.

They attend daily sessions at the centre with Dr. Feld, where he would try and get them to talk about how they felt, their sexual experiences and ultimately show them why they fell in love with each other. The sessions are extremely intense as Arnold finds it hard to talk to Kay and Dr. Feld about their intimate details. He is very defensive about his life and their relationship together.

(The Counselling Sessions)

Dr. Feld asked and put up very blunt questions so that they couldn’t deny or talk their way out of answering them and this angered Arnold as he didn’t understand why she felt the need to bring him to such sessions. Kay feels very upset and heartbroken at the lack of Arnolds willingness to change anything and goes running off, feeling as if everything is over for good. She goes to a pub and starts talking to the barmaid, who shows her that she’s not the only person not to be having sex with their partner. Arnold goes to a museum alone, instead.

Getting back together in their motel room they both try and be closer together as Dr Feld gave them a task of holding one another. They spend the night in the same bed, the first time in years and as Kay wakes from her sleep she finds Arnold has his arm around her. They tell Dr Feld of this amazing breakthrough and both feeling more encouraged that things are getting better; Dr Feld urges that they try bigger gestures.

Feeling confident that things are only going to get better both Arnold and Kay try and do more spontaneous things together to make attempts of being able to get intimate. Many of them fail and they don’t get very far on their mission. Dr. Feld tries telling Arnold of how hurt Kay is and that if he doesn’t wish to loose her forever he best take some initiative and arrange something pretty special to get things on the right track. He books a meal at a grand hotel and Kay is very impressed, they talk and laugh together throughout the meal, something that they’ve been wishing on for a long time! Attempting again to try and make love, it ends horribly and are both left leaving upset and confused.

(The meal at the Hotel)

After ending their sessions with Dr. Feld he says that they should continue their counselling back at home. Getting back home, their usual habits of living separately start again. Kay realises that there’s no change and gets ready to pack her bag so that she can cat-sit her friends’ cat, whilst she gets ready to move on permanently.

Both Arnold and Kay lay awake and are restless on that night. Arnold makes the move as he gets out of bed, gets his dressing gown on and sits with Kay on her bed. They both fall into each others arms and make sweet, passionate love to one another. The next morning its clear that everything is much different and that they’re naturally happy to be in one another’s company.

As the credits roll we see a homemade video of Kay and Arnold having an intimate ceremony with their children and grandchild and Dr. Feld is present. They exchange all the things that they promise they will do from now on.

(Back home after things are better) 

I really enjoyed this film so much. I was also pleased that it was as good as the trailer looked. I had perhaps expected there to be more humorous parts, (probably because Steve Carrell was in it?) but despite that it was rather well done. Watching this film there were many cringe parts where you sighed in desperation, because it was so obvious they wanted one another badly. The one thing that stood out for me was that it wasn’t the typical plot of a film of this genre. There was so much hope and disaster that at times you didn’t know what would be best for the characters. Many people who watched this film will see some part of their relationship in Arnolds and Kays. It was a film that we all learnt a couple of tips to bring to our own and it showed that it’s hard work to stay together in a marriage. But it showed that as long as it’s what the couple wants, it’s workable and that things can work, there’s a sign of hope no matter what stage of the relationship.

I’ve never seen Tommy Lee Jones play a part like this before, to be honest I’ve only really known him in the Men and Black films but I loved how stubborn his character Arnold was. I loved how he was so blind to the faults of what’s happened, but it’s only because he hid behind his wall of not wanting to accept things weren’t the same. But he pulled through and went a step further in trying to make things right. The whole film as a whole was thoughtful, and provided some smiles and ‘aww’s throughout. A mature look at an everyday issue.

I gave this film a 4.7 because I really loved watching the film and the way it was filmed showed that there is many up and downs – but it gave hope and was very well done in all ways. There wasn’t many faults apart from I had hoped there would be more funny sections.

New beginnings: By Eleanor

 Hey guys,
  We've been so busy the last few months, don't know where the time has gone. Today I've been racking my brains to think of something to post for our loyal readers (and some new visitors we hope!) and not coming up with much.

 You'll be delighted to know that I've written an article for Deaf Unity - check them out here:

 http://deafunity.org/

 They are hoping to become a vital network for deaf people to connect and share their stories. I was lucky enough to get mine published on there and I'll copy and paste it here for you guys to read too:

 My name is Eleanor Craik; I’m 23 and am heading back to university in September to do my PGCE in primary. This time next year I will be a teacher (at least that’s the plan!). My interests include learning BSL, playing LOTRO (Lord of the Rings Online), watching subtitled films and trying to keep fit.
I was born in 1989 and passed the initial hearing tests. When my brother was born, he failed his hearing test and when having to go back for further tests my mum requested they re-test me. My brother passed but I failed. Since then my hearing has dropped twice making it a progressive loss.
I attended mainstream primary school and although it was feared I may have to be held back a year as I hadn’t had as long to learn to talk as most others, I quickly caught up and became one of the more able pupils according to my teachers. I remember being confused in Reception class because I’d seemingly be getting on with work, writing words out phonically and showing it to the teacher. The teacher would then ask the teaching assistant to take me out to make cakes for the school. No-one else ever seemed to do this and although I enjoyed it and I really liked the teaching assistant, I always thought I’d done something wrong, that my work wasn’t good enough. Years on and I still don’t understand why but I realise it must have been difficult for them to know how to deal with me as they’d never experienced a deaf child and it was a steep learning curve for all involved.

High School and beyond

At high school I remember more vividly the problems I had relating to my hearing loss. Although I had a great group of friends (we called ourselves the ‘rejects’, all the people that never seemed to hang out with anyone hung out with us) it never shielded me from problems.
I remember one particular teacher who thought I was unable to speak and often asked my friend to read out anything I’d written. This was rather amusing but frustrating, but worse so for my friend. One day I came in to find them playing some sort of character role playing game but I was told to sit in the corner as I wouldn’t be able to follow it. Yes, I agree that it would have been difficult, there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing but the teacher never explained the game, or even attempted to allow me to join in.
It was difficult for me to learn German, follow maths or science – the teachers were surprisingly understanding (mostly) but my concentration and focus was not so good. It was hard work, lipreading the teachers all the time and often I relied on my friends. One day, my tutor asked me if I thought I was making it harder on them: it seemed my friends had been telling her that it was difficult. I felt extremely upset, I didn’t think I asked much of them, no more than most friends would. It made me retreat, withdraw and hide. I lost my confidence (although I didn’t have much in the first place).
During high school I had a Teacher of the Deaf who supported me. She came to visit once or twice a week and asked if I had any issues with classes, if my hearing aids were working ok, if I needed extra help with things. She was brilliant at trying to help me with maths and science but with my raging teenage hormones and low self-esteem, I know that at times I made it very difficult to help me.
I went to college straight after high school to do a diploma and stayed there to do my degree. It was a very long 5 years and I still had a fair share of communication breakdowns. I remember one boy on the course; he asked me if I was really deaf. I showed him my hearing aids and he laughed, he said he thought I was just pretending to get out of doing things. He wasn’t particularly nice anyway but it astounded me the thoughts that people could think. As I’ve gotten older I’ve learnt for myself that nobody is born deaf aware, it tends to be people who know someone deaf that are more understanding.
The problem with my education was that I felt I didn’t need help, when I probably could have done with it. I believed that I was able to do everything myself to the point of alienating myself, spending hours after school/college researching things that had been talked about. My teacher of the deaf wasn’t there when I went to college and at times I missed her support. Towards the end of my degree I became more independent, more assertive.

Deaf Awareness

At one of my workplaces just a few days ago I was put in a training room, big room, very echoey, air con blasting away. The learners were all put on round tables scattered about the room in different directions. Within minutes of starting I realised there wasn’t a hope in hell of hearing anything, I couldn’t even localise sounds. I asked the group if everyone could move because I simply couldn’t hear. Everyone moved into a semi-circle shape and although I still struggled I could pick up where sound was coming from and hopefully get there in time to lipread (but obviously, some people still not being interpretable, moustaches and mumblers I’m looking at you).
Deaf awareness doesn’t happen all the time. I’ve been so frustrated this past week at the number of video clips I’ve had to watch for training and none of them having subtitles. One of the sessions talked about dignity and the principles of dignity. One of the principles was about how you would shape the care of a person. They talked about it passionately but yet they didn’t consider the care that I needed, even after the fact I’ve been there for two years now and I highlighted this all in the previous training.
The amount of people I’ve had to explain that it’s not about volume, its interpretation I struggle with. But it’s also meant that I’ve met some amazing people. I’ve had and have the best friends anyone could hope for and all the love and support from my family that I could possibly want. Learning BSL has opened my eyes to the deaf community and shown me what life can be like with equal access. I believe that if I have children I will teach them BSL as well as English, this will enhance my understanding of them and will enlighten their understanding of deaf awareness – something that can only be taught.
For me now, I am heading back to university to study for my PGCE. I’m very scared because for the first time ever I won’t know anyone, the university, the lecturers, etc: but I’m relishing the challenge. I’ve actually requested funds from the DSA to enable me equal access, and although I wasn’t too keen on it to begin with (been recommended a Radio Aid which I absolutely hated using at school), I am definitely more open to it than when I was a teenager. I’ve heard about so much new equipment coming out; from live subtitles, google glasses and new treatments for hearing losses – I believe the world isn’t finished with me yet; the fun has only just begun. I just hope for more subtitled cinema films whilst we’re all waiting!

 (For the linkage: http://deafunity.org/article-interview/eleanor-craik-education-experience/)

 I'd like to dedicate this post in loving memory of my dad. I know he never got to hear me banging on about this blog (he's not a fan of facebook or general internet type things) but I know he would have loved to read this. I miss you so much, always in my heart. RIP dad.