About this episode
Welcome, readers. We are thrilled to continue this new content from the creators of Currently Reading Podcast ! This spin-off podcast series will tackle book to screen adaptations in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you've read the book and watched the film version before listening to the episode, because we don't shy away from strong opinions OR from all the spoilers, unlike our regular episodes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will still include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 1:24 - Setup The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 3:42 - Previews Release date. Sales info and awards. Released in 1999 NYT #1 Bestseller ALA's Best Book for Reluctant Readers in 2000 "Cult classic" Movie name and release date. Box office and awards. Released September 2012 20 Wins, 51 Nominations Budget of 13M, Earned 33M "Cult classic" 6:59 - The Cutting Room Pivotal Book scenes and how they translated to the screen The tunnel Charlie being high Charlie's revelation at the end Changes from Book to Movie Change from love story as secondary plot to main plot Friendships with Charlie seemed disingenuous in the movie Song in the tunnel is changed from Fleetwood Mac to David Bowie Mary Elizabeth's college acceptance Bill's girlfriend is now his wife in the movie Bill and Charlie's relationship in the movie Left out of the adaptation Charlie doesn't cry in the movie Masturbation scene Developed relationship between Charlie and his sister Abortion Lack of importance of Rocky Horror The scene where Sam tells Charlie not to think of her that way Added to the movie Charlie's siblings have names Charlie is a "normie" Casting and alternates Charlie: LoganLerman → Freddie Highmore, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Nicholas Hoult, Asa Butterfield Sam: Emma Watson → Jennifer Lawrence, Sarah Hyland, Emma Roberts, Brie Larson Patrick: Ezra Miller → Timothee Chalamet, Mary Elizabeth: Mae Whitman → Rebel Wilson, Alison Brie, Rose McIver Problematic elements Lack of POC Queer representation Excessive drug and alcohol usage 32:41 - Award Season Worst and best parts of the adaptation. Film quality Unbelievable characters due to casting/age Casting - outside main characters 20 years later letter was omitted from the movie (a best part) Paul Rudd Derek's ponytail Charlie's hot brother Worst and best actors. Emma Watson - Sam Paul Rudd - Bill Ezra Miller - Patrick Worst and best book characters. Mary Elizabeth Sam Patrick 44:26 - Book/Flick Energy Book scored on a 5 star scale. Book on Goodreads Movie scored on a 10 point scale. Movie on Rotten Tomatoes Movie on IMDB 50:20 - A Leftover Popcorn Kernel If they made an after school special about our time in high school, what do you think would be the most after school special plot point? (Kaytee) If you could do high school all over again, would you? (Shad) What's your most significant or best memory from high school? (Shad) 56:30 - End Credits The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger The movie is available to stream on HBO Max for a limited time but is available to rent on other streaming services Connect With Us: Currently Reading Podcast | Kaytee | Meredith Shad is in the Bookish Friends FB Group (for our Patreon supporters) Our Website | Email Us Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Buy Some Merch