How Figure Expression Can Create Meaning

In the film adaptation of Stephen Chbosky’s novel ‘the Perks of Being a Wallflower’ (2012), the actors use their figure expression to highlight the contrast between their characters. There are 3 main characters: Charlie (Logan Lerman), Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller).

Charlie is shy and nervous; portrayed through his fidgety hands, constantly wandering eyes, and him often chewing his lip. He has slumped shoulders and almost drags himself along when he walks- reflecting his unhappiness with his day to day life and showing that he is often pulling himself through it, trying to make it to the end of the school year. His lips are often tight, his face blank, reminding us that there is lots that we don’t know about this character as his face gives nothing away.

Sam and Patrick on the other hand, are confident characters, shown in the way they hold themselves with an erect posture. They are both lively, shown in their tendencies to exaggerate both their movements and facial expressions. Sam’s confidence is often shown through her smirk. This also highlights her flirtatious nature, also indicated by her eyes. They are both more caring and gentle when interacting with Charlie.

As the narrative goes on, events occur that shake the characters and change them. Examples of this are how Patrick becomes very jittery/ shaky after his character goes through a bad break-up. Also towards the climax, Charlie goes through a mental breakdown, shown through his hands pulling his hair, his legs shaking and him crying.