Stephen Chbosky Talks Music, Emma Watson, And ‘The Perks Of Being A Wallflower’

When I first read Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, I instantly fell in love with it. It was 1999, and I was not having a fun high school experience. Like so many other kids from my generation, this book meant a great deal to me. 13 years later, it was a priceless experience being able to sit down with Stephen and talk with him about his film adaptation of one of my favorite books.

Stephen talked with us about how much of himself is in Charlie, how involved with casting he was, fan made movie trailers, and how the outsiders have always outnumbered the popular kids. Check out our first segment below!

Another interesting topic I spoke with Stephen about was how much films in this genre fail to connect with audiences in the way that the classic John Hughes movies did. In fact, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower was one of the first films I’ve seen in the last decade that I have connected with on that level. So what’s the secret? Why can’t Hollywood make more movies like this that truly touch the hearts of audiences? Stephen had an enlightening answer that I had not considered. Check it out in the video segment below along with details on the music selection that went into the film.

One of the most memorable parts of the interview for me, was when we asked Stephen what his most memorable moment from filming was. He proceeded to tell us about the scene that Emma Watson filmed going through the Fort Pitt Tunnel, and how it was a moment he’d remember as long as he had memory. Check it out below.

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower was released in limited release last Friday, and the film hits a few more theaters today! Be sure to check it out – it captures the book quite beautifully.

Interview By: Emma Loggins

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  1. You read this book 13 years ago? Wow! That is just really cool, I on the other hand read it few months ago. But, then again i wasn’t an avid reader and mature enough back in 1999.

    I had no idea that the cast did’t made much money out of this, which explains the limited release. The movie is coming in my country in November. But, its okay, i’m a patient person. I am sure i’ll be buying it on the blu-ray too.

  2. I’m so glad it’s coming to your country Jay! 🙂 You’ll have to let me know what you think! I feel like it’s a story that transcends age and country. At one point in life – whether it was high school or not – we’ve all felt like outsiders. I think it’s impossible not relate to the story.

  3. Thanks, i’m really happy that they managed to get the movie all the way here by November. In come countries the movie releases next year, so that’s that. I will definitely tell you what i felt about the movie 🙂

    I couldn’t agree more, when i read the book few months ago, i also told my best friend to read it (who lives in Uk) and she didn’t like it as much, but when she graduated from High School and moved to College, she told me how she finally understood Charlie and how much she likes the book now. So, i guess, we all have our own stories which makes us connect to this book in all sort of ways or the other.

  4. loved these interviews. so jealous. i really like this book obviously and i’m so glad i’m getting lucky enough that our theater is getting it Oct. 5th. the only place in my state playing it