Boyhood

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