Chbosky's Life

Backround/Inspirations-

Chbosky had always known since he was little that he wanted to be a screenwriter rather than a book author. However, Chbosky had first thought of ”Perks,” in college and had written it by the time he was 26. As he experienced his teenage years and observed the lives of other teenagers, he found that he views young people as a diverse population with each their own lives. He personally states in an interview that he believes, “quality art and entertainment for young people is beyond important.”. He continues to point out that “there are a lot of people that I know in many businesses that see young people as consumers they can sell to.” This reveals his character of empathy which helps get teenagers recognized within society. His works have relatable connections to a young adult audience. Chbosky had also been influenced by works such as “The Breakfast Club,” ‘Dead Poets Society,” and “The Catcher in the Rye,” which are all media greatly popular within the teenage population in the 80s era. Even in his film adaption, he includes music in the soundtrack such as, “Asleep,” by the smiths, and the famous tunnel song, “Heroes,” by David Bowie. Chbosky included these songs in his film because he truly recognizes his young adult audience.

Education Path-

Stephen Chbosky grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended Upper St. Clair High School, where he began exploring his interest in writing and storytelling. After graduating, he pursued a degree in screenwriting at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. Similar to Chbosky’s audience, he was surprisingly an outcast himself growing up. He was heavily inspired by the works mentioned previously but Stewart Stern and his work, “Rebel without a Cause,” greatly influenced Chbosky's educational path. Stern was going to be a guest speaker at The USC Film School and Chbosky was interested, so he visited and attended the lecture. This was a life changing experience for Chbosky as he was “so impressed by him that I just said to myself, ‘If this man is teaching at this school, I’m going to this school.” Chbosky stayed true to this statement and attended USC. As Stern became a mentor for Chbosky, their bond continued to grow. Chbosky has even stated that he “would have never written The Perks of Being a Wallflower had I not known him.”

Recognition/Success-

All of Chbosky’s work is unanimously recognized for its commitment to portraying emotional realities of growing up and dealing with physical differences. His discography consists of works ranging from physical differences, to identity, to trauma, to sexuality, and to drugs. His overall goal as a writer and filmmaker is to give teenagers a voice, especially those who seem unseen and misunderstood. This goal of his was met when his work was actually changing his audiences lives. He shares that it is “truly awe-inspiring and humbling. The letters I’ve received, the people who’ve reached out to me, the careers that were changed, along with destinies found, it’s a remarkable position to be in, and it never ceases to inspire me.” His amount of respect and recognition for teenagers had made him greatly successful so he gained respect in return. The awards he is most known for include the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and the Chlotrudis Award for Best Adapted Screenplay both for Perks.