This is an extraordinary film and in many respects worthy of the four star accolades awarded it by most main stream movie critics. Unfortunately Richard Linklater, the creator, writer and director, chose to stuff the story full of unneeded, unnecessary, and useless profanity, which, for many, will diminish this otherwise brilliant piece of work. The acting is superb throughout, and the scripting (sans profanity) excellent and earned three stars from me on that basis.
The story is unique as it is filmed over a period of twelve years, using the same cast. We watch as the players age on screen, no doubt a sobering experience for them, and certainly fascinating to watch. Our hero is a young boy named Mason, played superbly by Ellar Coltrane, who we watch grow from a pre- pubescent five-year-old to age 18, as he enters college. His journey is a rocky one to be sure, but is a realistic look at life today for many young people.
Patricia Arquette stars as Olivia, Mason’s mother, and Ethan Hawke as his father, both give exceptional performances, especially Hawke who earns my nod for one of the best performances of the year. Divorced from his dad when Mason was only three, his mom struggles to survive financially and emotionally, and her efforts to find a suitable step-father is a lesson in itself.
Boyhood
Entertainment Rating: ★★★ (with caveat)
Rating: R; plenty of profanity and sexual innuendos throughout
Possible Oscar Nominations: Best Actor, Ethan Hawke, and if there was an Oscar for originality, it would win hands down.
The beauty in this film is not only watching the characters age on screen, without makeup, but their personal growth at the same time. You know that no matter the scripting the characters are going to act different as they age, and their respective roles show those changes which come naturally, not through acting school. While Mason is at the forefront of the story, the most intriguing changes come from his dad. The evolution of his character is the most interesting aspect of the story, at least for me.
At times the story can move a little slowly, but just when one segment runs thin, you are thrust into the next segment, which could be a year or two ahead. Sadly, as the movie progresses from one time frame to another, the language intensifies. Other than that it is an ingenious bit of film making.
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