Boyhood Review

1.     

Sometimes the process of making a film can overshadow the  actual film itself, this is a fear I had with Boyhood, a film that was made over 12 years using the same cast. I needn’t have worried, Boyhood is not only a cinematic landmark in terms of production but what has been produced is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. The cast a brilliant, and rarely can you see actors change and develop their character so deeply, the characters in this film are the most developed of any film I’ve ever seen. Richard Linklater continues to show why he is the master of catching life in film, its all scripted but it never feels like it is, the way he’s able to capture lifes little moments is phenomenal, and its so hard to believe that the film is never relying on hindsight, so conversations about future star wars films, or facebook etc become so relevant. Occasionally it feels like the dialogue missteps causing a cringe reaction, but then you realise the reason you’re cringing is because you’ve had exactly the same conversation at some point in your life, it’s like watching a home movie of your youth.  I also feel as someone who recently turned 21 that Boyhood is the perfect film for someone such as myself who is reflecting on his childhood, Mason’s life is both incredibly similar and incredibly different in so many ways, but growing up with Mason (and everyone else in his life) over a period of 3 hours is a monumental experience. Along with 12 Years a Slave, 2014 may have produced 2 of the greatest films ever made. (High 5 Stars)