Usually when you hear about a movie taking 12 years to get made, it's because they can't get funding, or the lead actor left or they need a new director. You don't ever hear about a movie being filmed over a 12 year span. But that's exactly what Boyhood is. It's a movie about the life of a boy from the age of 6 to 18. It's about his growth and development till he's able to go out on his own. What ends up unfolding in front of you is unlike any movie I've seen this year, and any movie I can think of.
Mason (Ellar Coltrane) lives with his mom, Olivia (Patricia Arquette), and his sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater). His dad, Mason Sr. (Ethan Hawke) has been fairly absent early on in his life, since his parents got a divorce, but he's now trying to fix that and be a better father. But don't let any of this vague plot synopsis fool you, this film is about Mason Jr., and his journey from a 6 year old kid to a high school graduate is something to behold. Not because it is full of excitement and big events, but it reminds you that sometimes life is just the day to day, and before you know it, it's been 12 years.
Ellar Coltrane as Mason is actually a very good choice because he has a natural acting style that never makes it feel as though he's trying to do anything. And that's a good thing. He feels comfortable in the role, showing Mason as a smart, good hearted kid, who sometimes has to go through shitty times, like the rest of us. It helps that Coltrane never seems to be trying to act, instead just being Mason. Lorelei Linklater, daughter of director Richard Linklater, is also good as Samantha. She plays her as loud and obnoxious as a kid, and shy yet confident as she gets older. It's a part that doesn't demand a lot of range, but she is perfectly fine in the role.
Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette are both their reliable selves, making their relationships with the kids and each other feel genuine. Hawke plays the early years with energy and vigour, much like a young Ethan Hawke, before he settles down and becomes more relaxed. It's the type of performance we expect from him. Arquette is fantastic though, as she is given a lot of heavy lifting to do, being that she wants to be as present in her kids lives as possible. Her protectiveness of her kids, hard working attitude and fiery personality instantly reminded me of my mom. Hopefully this brings her into a career resurgence, along with her role on Boardwalk Empire.
Writer and director Richard Linklater is honestly one of the most underrated directors in Hollywood. Probably the most. He's directed the Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight, Dazed an Confused, School of Rock and Bernie. I truly hope this is the film that gets him that Best Director nomination because it's a film that reminds you what life is really like. The complete honesty that you feel in Boyhood is what makes it one of the best films this year.
I think that's what Boyhood does so well. It reminds you what it was like to grow up. Going to see Harry Potter, or when you went to school after a bad haircut, or the first time you went camping, or your first real girlfriend. It reminds you that life isn't about waiting for big moments or trying to capture the small ones. Everything we do is a moment. We just have to remember to live in it.
Grade: A+
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