“I know these will all be stories someday, and our pictures will become old photographs. We’ll all become someone’s mom and dad. But right now, these moments are not stories. This is happening.”
Summit Entertainment
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is cinematically one of the most breathtaking films to ever be made; In my opinion, of course. This film, based off of the novel by Steven Chbosky, incorporates some of societies increasing issues in teenagers; anxiety, depression, assault and identity crisis. Making it a staple movie in this day in age.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is about a boy, Charlie, who conquers his first year of high school being a socially awkward teenager. By watching from the sidelines, he notices two seniors, Sam and Patrick, that also notice him. Sam and Patrick take Charlie under their wing; teaching him about friendship, love, and passion. Until Sam and Patrick leave for college, leaving Charlie alone again without the anchor he needs to stop from succumbing to dark thoughts about his past.
My inspiration for this playlist comes from Charlie’s innocence, Patrick’s confidence, and Sam’s lust for adventure. Three key elements that create the perfect high school set up.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower Soundtrack
- Just Like A Movie by Wallows
- Asleep – 2011 Remastered by The Smiths
- Silhouettes by Colony House
- Fine Line by Harry Styles
- Junior Varsity by Dayglow
- You Know It by Colony House
- Pieces by Andrew Belle
- Daisy Daisy by Sea Girls
- Video Child by Many Voices Speak
- 1980’s Horror Film II by Wallows
Like usual, I want to put the songs I chose for this soundtrack to be in the order they’d appear! First up is “Just Like a Movie” by Wallow. This song will be playing during the opening credits that transition into the very first scene of the movie. During the opening credits, the peaceful and soft electric guitar will make the cinematography pop more. When the music starts to escalate—getting more upbeat—is when I want the song to transition into the first scene when Charlie starts narrating.
Next, I want “Asleep – 2011 Remaster” by The Smiths to play when Charlie’s sister, Candace, gives him the mixtape her boyfriend made her. Originally in the movie, this song is also playing while Charlie is listening to the mixtape; which carries on to the next scene in the movie as well. I decided not to change this song out because of how well it fits into what’s happening, and how much it amplifies effect in that certain scene.
For the third song on the soundtrack I chose “Silhouettes” by Colony House to be played during Charlie’s first school dance. Charlie’s new friends Sam and Patrick dance the night away with no shame. When Charlie sees them dancing, he joins in. From the viewers perspective it looks very liberating and freeing. “Silhouettes” by Colony House is a song that always raises my spirits by making me feel those exact things. How could I not put it for this scene?
For the famous ‘tunnel scene’ in this movie I chose “Fine Line” by Harry Styles. In the ‘tunnel scene’ Sam hears a song on the radio that she says is perfect for driving through the tunnel. This is where Sam liked to stand in the back of Patrick’s truck and spread her arms, making her feel infinite. “Fine Line” by Harry Styles is perfect for this scene because of the beautiful ballad that is it; full of drums, piano, guitar, and beautiful vocals. Not to mention its breathtaking peak towards the end of the song. A perfect compliment to feeling infinite.
Towards the middle of the movie Charlie starts to narrate the next couple of weeks in his life after getting closer with Sam and Patrick. During this scene he describes the changes he feels being friends with them, rather than being alone. For this scene I chose “Junior Varsity” by Dayglow for the lyrics, as well as the calming tune. Lyrics like “can you feel that change,” and “we’re in the real world now, not junior varsity” present a great parallel to all that Charlie is feeling.
The sixth song I chose is “You Know It” by Colony House. I wanted this to play during the scene where Charlie is at his peak with enjoying his connections with all of his friends. In this scene we see a secret Santa session, the beginning of Christmas break, a sweet exchange with his favorite teacher, a great grade on a hard project, and accomplishments with Sam. On one hand, happy times; on the other hand, very fast-paced. “You Know It” is a fast-paced, upbeat song; perfect for this seen!
Charlie’s first romantic moment with Sam happens when Sam tells him she wants his first kiss to be with someone that loves him. Charlie, practically in love with Sam, agrees. For this scene I chose “Pieces” By Andrew Belle to play during such a long-awaited, passionate moment. A perfect opportunity for lyrics like “I love you and all of your pieces” to shine through; only making the moment more romantic.
The next song I chose is “Daisy Daisy” by Sea Girls to play during the second school dance of the movie. Charlie is standing by himself when Sam walks over to him to talk about the date Charlie has later on. I want this song to play while they talk as an underlying message from Charlie to Sam. The Lyric “though you never knew me, could you learn to? If I gave you my heart and my whole life too…” to be played when they have a pause in conversation. This lyric accurately describes Charlie’s relationship to Sam, making it the ideal song to play.
One of the most important scenes in the movie is when Charlie has a breakdown. He re-lives all of his past traumas after all of his friends leave for college; once again, all alone. During this heavy scene I wanted “Video Child” by Many Voices Speak to play in the background. Before Charlie completely breaks down he’s walking home, beginning to think of everything. Once he gets home is when things really unfold. “Video Child” follows the weight of the scene by doing the same. Finally, reaching its peak with the lyrics “no you’re never gonna get hurt again video child” to end Charlie’s episode.
Lastly, Sam and Patrick come back from college to visit Charlie after he recovers from his episode. Sam brings good news, telling them that she found the ‘tunnel song.’ They immediately get in the car and start listening to it for the tunnel. During this scene, Charlie ends the movie by presenting a narrating monologue about life and it’s crazy, wonderful, and breathtaking moments. Charlie stands on the back of the truck—instead of Sam—perfectly ending the movie. For this scene I chose “Fine Line” by Harry Styles.
While Charlie is presenting his monologue, the first half of the song will be played. A beautiful guitar and vocals to give Charlie’s words a spotlight. Finally, when Charlie is done, ending with “we are infinite,” the power lyrics “we’ll be alright” shine through with the spotlight this time. The message of the song is a perfect parallel to how Charlie feels by the end of the movie. What better way to leave the audience?
For the ending credits I chose the song “1980’s Horror Film II” by Wallows. It’s a light hearted song about a boy going to his crush’s house to watch a 1980 horror film, wondering if he should make a move. In a way, it’s a bit of an alternate universe ending to how Sam and Charlie’s relationship came to be.
This has definitely been such a fun movie to create a soundtrack for, and I’m looking forward for next week’s post: Midsommar! See you next week!
THE EARS OF THE MEDIA: Music To My Movies 
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