The movie Perks of Being a Wallflower was a
flawless tale of overcoming the empire. It is the story of a young man named
Charlie starting his first year of high school. Trauma and the loss of his best
friend do not make this an easy journey for Charlie; he spends the beginning of
the year alone until he meets Patrick and Sam who welcome him to “the island of
misfit toys”. This film reinforces the
repeated message of the Bible: caring for others. It is human nature to need
others, after all no man is an island. Throughout the movie, the characters cry
out for the kingdom as they try to escape the suffering of the empire. This is evident
when Charlie and Sam ask why the people they love allow people to treat them
badly, to which a teacher responds that people accept the love they think they
deserve. We all accept what big corporations, advertisers, the “matrix” tell us
is true rather than search for more—the kingdom.
The origin of evil and sin is being
numb to the pain of others. Charlie is tormented at school (call him names, rip
his book, etc.), Patrick is harassed for his sexual orientation, Sam is used by
guys, and the list goes on. As Christians, we are called to help each other;
yet, the people in Charlie’s life are continually hurt by the system of the
empire. However, the film does not leave us feeling as if the grasp of the
empire is inescapable; it leaves us with hope. Charlie struggled throughout the
movie, but with the support of his friends, he becomes a stronger person. At
the end of the film, we are left with the feeling that there is hope in the
world, hope for moving toward the kingdom of God.
Redemption comes from community. Though
Charlie and his friends have troubled pasts and continue to struggle through
life, their friendship helps them. Twice while with friends, Charlie speaks of
being infinite. I think this is code for the kingdom. The kingdom exists inside
the turmoil of the empire and, with the support of his friends, Charlie stumbles
on the path towards the kingdom. He becomes infinite through the kingdom. Charlie
subverts the ruling authority by leaving the comfort of the empire. During the
scene where Charlie is in the hospital, the doctor asks Charlie to let her help
him and Charlie agrees. He leaves the denial of the empire in order to face the
truth and uncover the path to the kingdom.
1) How
can we help others subvert the empire?
2) Do
you think that there is still hope in the world?
Perks is such a great book and movie! I thought it's interesting reading your summary of the movie since I haven't seen it and have only read the book. Charlie is such a quirky kid; i think it would be really cool to meet him if he actually existed.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your questions:
I think a way to help others subvert the empire is educate people. In America it's so easy to be oblivious. The empire thrives on the ignorance of its citizens. To shatter that ignorance would be one way to subvert the empire.
I think there is still hope in the world. As long as we believe in Christ there is always a hope beyond our immediate lives. Hope can be found in the simplest of things, you just have to get out of the ignorance of the empire and see to world for its beauty instead of seeing it as something to develop and change.
"We all accept what big corporations, advertisers, the 'matrix' tell us is true rather than search for more—the kingdom." Wow! Excellent connection that I didn't make when we saw the film.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, isn't it, that Charlie and the others find belonging among the least liked in the school. Great observations, Kiara!