Review of Boyhood (2014) by Matt P — 27 Jun 2015
What an amazing film. Technically epic and yet grounded, simple and natural.
If only more 'coming of age' films were filmed over 12 years, so we're not changing actors or applying jarring age makeup.
Patricia Arquette doesn't age seem to age though, and turns in an amazing performance that quite rightly earned her an Oscar. I've always liked Ethan Hawke, but he's visibly aged over 12 years, and it's quite surreal to see that in a film, and know that it's genuine.
Ellar Coltrane though, wow. He'd be pretty unique to've had his first film (at 6 years old) also be his most recent (at 18), but still with a few in between. He's absolutely brilliant, both as a child, and as an adult. An utterly unique performance, and how difficult to cast.
Linklater wrote and directed the film, but let it create itself in only lightly scripting many scenes and letting the actors bring their own life experiences into the film, and only loosely holds the reins through the most effective scenes in the film.
Its more dramatic moments (Arquette's abusive marriage stands out) is where it faltered at times, even if only because these moments felt the most controlled, and the least natural.
As much about growth as it is about youth, I don't know that I've ever seen a film like this, or ever will again. Highly recommended.
This review of Boyhood (2014) was written by Matt P on 27 Jun 2015.
Boyhood has generally received very positive reviews.
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