Boyhood - film review by Tony Baksa
Rating – 2 Suns
Director Richard Linklater has a body
of very interesting work that deals most essentially with real time. In real
time we are witness to human behavior at its most authentic. His past films
such as “Before Sunrise” “Waking Life” and “Before Sunset” are fascinating and
entertaining studies of people – mostly young people – who talk and behave in a
true to life fashion. What they have to say and how it advances the plot is
Linklater’s modus operandi. These films along with his other movies – “Dazed
and Confused” and “School of Rock” all share this essential characteristic –
more specifically a moment in time. The
moments Linklater seems most interested in exploring are youthful passages –
growing up – getting to the brink of adulthood.
“Boyhood” is such a movie. Filmed
over twelve years beginning in 2002 using the same actors, we witness through
episodes in the life of young Mason his growing years from age five to eighteen
in Austin, Texas. It is an intriguing premise. I so love this idea that I wish
I could report that it works. Because of the mundane screenplay by Linklater
and obvious improvised scenes, “Boyhood” isn’t fully successful.
When an exciting premise such as this
is offered, one would think it is because an exceptional story needed to be
told. What unfolds is a series of dull scenes in the life of Mason and his
family – all cliché moments spread out over three long hours. The usual sibling
rivalry, awkwardness at school, peer pressure, first love, first car,
graduation and the predictable off to college finale is all there as anyone
would expect. If we are being told this well-worn story, shouldn’t there be a
fresh spin? The unusual premise that Linklater employs just isn’t enough to
elevate “Boyhood”.
What is especially jarring is the
unfortunate fact that little boy Mason played by Ellar Coltrane is a better
actor than teenage Coltrane. Apparently, Coltrane’s ability as an actor wans as
he ages. Not so with Lorelei Linklater the director’s daughter, as Samantha, Mason’s
older sister. She is the most compelling character in the film. Her earlier
scenes are so well acted and truthful. It is the film’s major shortcoming that interest
in Samantha falls away as she ages. She all but becomes a nodding presence –
subjugated to clear the way for the less interesting story line – that of her
brother, Mason.
Ethan Hawke as the divorced father
and Patricia Arquette as the much married hard working mother of Mason and
Samantha turn in very good performances. Strong performances in a weak movie
seem like such a waste.
I would like to see Linklater
continue this idea by filming his talented daughter, Lorelei Linklater as
Samantha, for the next 12 years. Have someone else write the screenplay. Call
it “Girlhood”. Avoid the cliché’s and give this interesting actress a through-line
she so richly deserves.
“Boyhood” is currently in theaters
