What-I'm-Watching-Wednesday: Boyhood

Writer/director Richard Linklater’s independent film Boyhood (2014) gives viewers an intimate, raw look at a boy’s life growing up in Texas.  Shot over a span of 12 years, this one-of-a-kind film shows the characters aging in real time with the same actors.  It’s a revelation to see the leads and even supporting players mature and change over time.  Linklater, reportedly, shot the film every year in 10-15 minutes segments that he wrote each year after reviewing the prior footage.  This technique imbues the film with a vitality as the characters react to contemporary events, including September 11th, as well as, dropping pop culture, including the Harry Potter books, in the mix.

Protagonist Mason (Ellar Coltrane) and his sister, Samantha (Lorelei Linklater), have a fractured, tumultuous childhood.  Their mother (Patricia Arquette) is often uprooting the family while their ne’er-do-well father (Ethan Hawke) is an infrequent part of their lives.  Mason is an ordinary boy who comes of age painting graffiti, playing video games, and hanging out with friends while dealing with the fallout from his mother’s life choices.  Arquette’s brilliant performance underscores a woman who loves her children but often feels trapped. Mason’s mundane life and journey to adulthood is filled with heartbreaking moments that shape him and his philosophy as he becomes a man.

As the story unfolds, Linklater and his cinematographers, Lee Daniel and Shane Kelly, imbue the story with breathtaking Texas landscapes and city shots.  Memorable shots include Mason and his father camping at Pedernales Falls State Park and a stunning sunset at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

This critically-acclaimed film won numerous accolades and was named “Best Motion Picture - Drama” by the Golden Globes and “Best Film” by the British Academy Film Awards.  Linklater and Arquette picked up Golden Globes and British Academy Film Awards, as well, for their work on this film.

Boyhood is one of the many films held by the Ort Library. Films are searchable in the Library's catalog, and can be requested by clicking on the yellow "Request" button. Log in using your 14-digit Library barcode number (located on your University ID), and your last name. You will then be able to select your pick-up location. The Library will notify you via email when your item has arrived for pick-up. If you need assistance with this process, please contact the Circulation Desk at 301-687-4395.