GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Triplex Cinema and Great Barrington Mason Library announce a special free screening of Stephen Chbosky's acclaimed film The Perks of Being a Wallflower, based on his novel of the same name. 

 

This screening is part of the Banned Books on Film Series collaboration between the Triplex and Mason Library. Starring Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller and Emily Watson, the film tells the story of an introverted teenager named Charlie and chronicles his trials, tribulations, and triumphs as he navigates his freshman year of high school. Perks also stars Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Joan Cusack and Paul Rudd in supporting roles. This film is rated PG-13 and tickets are available at www.thetriplex.org for the 4:00 pm Sept. 14 screening.

 

Chbosky's novel, published in 1999,  addresses many themes permeating adolescence, including sexuality, drug use, and mental health, all while also referencing many literary works. Even though Perks was a best-seller and included on many school reading lists, schools banned the book because its themes were deemed too controversial. The novel has been published in 16 countries and is now widely considered to be one of the best and most influential teen novels ever published. 

 

The Triplex Cinema and Mason Library collaboration began last Spring with a sold-out screening of Francois Truffaut's film of Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451." As with the last iteration, the screening will be followed by a discussion with Ben Elliott,  Triplex Creative Director  and Jamie Nicholson, the Head of Programming at the Great Barrington Public Libraries. They will joined by Jennifer Guerin and Andrea Fiorillo.