Review of Boyhood (2014) by Joanna B — 05 Jul 2015

Evocatively observant in its simplicity, Boyhood is a poignantly crafted account of the journey that is growing up today. Artfully filmed in short interludes over 12 years, Director Richard Linklater's 'real time' experience creates a unique fly-on-the-wall intimacy of character engagement.

A breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane, MJ is your typical school yard scratched and scrapped six year old who must endure the endless irritation of his big sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater), the decisions of his single-mother (Patricia Arquette) and the fortnightly visitations of his irresponsible father (Ethan Hawke).

Mj's formative years slowly unfold a life as altered by normal interventions; divorce, marriage, moving, love and loss. Insightfully implying a possible answer to the average parent's question; how will my actions affect my child?

The acting is sublime with boffins Arquette and Hawke anchoring the project perfectly while first-timers Coltrane and Linklater's evolution is curiously startling.

Direction is minimalist occasionally to the point of dull, as the story meanders guided by the leads personally development. Jerky time lapses are portrayed with obvious pop-culture markers like Harry Potter, Facebook, top 10 Music references and political changes.

The Verdict: A myriad of project positives awkwardly collide with the films inert heaviness and bloated 165 minute schedule leaving this critically praised piece feeling self-indulgent, petering off without a lasting sparkle and walking the fine line with a hobble.

Published : Canberra Weekly Magazine.

Date of Publication : 25/09/2015.