Blog #4

Perks of being a Wallflower-Tunnel scene

I was driving towards Manhattan a few days ago and tunnels generally make me feel uncomfortable and claustrophobic. I remembered that the one time I felt it was liberating was in the ending of Perks of Being a Wallflower, in the last letter scene where after many adversities the character has grown so much and centered himself. He has conquered his anxieties and depression and feels "infinite".The steady music gets louder, more uplifting and triumphant. As the scene speeds up the the lights on the side move faster with the music. His dialogue is on level with the music but both are climbing. While the actors are technically contained, in terms of life and learning they are growing and freeing themselves in the tunnel. It's a great scene and important for the movie.
Charlie is followed to the back of the pick-up and he sits down facing back. The reflection of the other cars' headlights is on the top of the tiled tunnel and everything is bright. Charlie then turns around kisses Sam while the camera zooms in a little.He then slowly raises himself, lets go of one hand and then the other while he takes up the frame. The camera then follows them from behind with Charlie feeling victorious and the others screaming and whooping at the end of the tunnel. The sound, lights, voice over, and action in the film do a great job explaining their growth as they enter adulthood.