Director: Richard Linklater
Big Names: Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette
SO PROUD to announce my first guest review........courtesy of my Mom!!!
Take it away Suze...
BOYHOOD is an epic drama tracing the
life of a boy and his family as he grows up from age 6 to age 18. The film
takes viewers seamlessly through the years with scenes from young Mason’s life,
evoking nostalgia, warmth, and sadness. Strong characters Mom, Dad, and Mason
develop incrementally along the way—flawed, yet genuine and sympathetic.
Viewers will identify with different characters in particular scenes. In one especially
poignant moment, Mom (played by Patricia Arquette) breaks down as Mason is about
to leave for college, crying out “You are so happy!” capturing the gulf between
the rocky emotions of the soon to be empty-nest parent and the eager-to-leave
home adolescent.
It
is impossible to watch this movie without looking forward, backward and inward at
one’s own life. The film, through character studies, explores the themes of
human resiliency and redemption, questioning “what’s the point?” from the
perspectives of Mom, Dad, and son. Without directly answering the question,
later scenes allude to a spiritual aspect in the father’s life revealing how he
has matured emotionally, vocationally, and spiritually. The film compels the
viewer’s respect for Mom’s survival instinct and tenaciousness. Meanwhile, Mason’s
teenage sloth behavior morphs into philosophical exploration; later into more
mature reflection and signs of an emerging work ethic. All three main characters explore the question
of timing in relationships with the benefit of doing a “fly over” of their
lives over the last dozen years.
As
a person who is very picky about watching 3-hour movies, I am glad I did not
know the length before watching the film. It was well worth the time.
-Suzanne Keating
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