The 12 year film project by Richard Linklater was released under the title of Boyhood in 2014 and it looks like the lengthy gamble has paid off for the future of Indie films. It was filmed under the table for 12 years from May 2002 to October 2013. During this time most of the actors were gathered for a couple weeks to shoot and then again every year until the project was complete.
Ellar Coltrane, who ages on screen from six to eighteen, tells the story of Mason a boy who is thrust through his childhood in just under three hours. The coming of age story explores adolescence, everything from the effects of divorce, experimentation with drugs, girls, family and friendship as Mason journeys through boyhood and emerges into manhood. What really makes the film special is that during filming sometimes the scripts were not fully completed until the night before shooting. All of the actors were able to discuss the script openly and use real life experiences to drive the film which allowed the movie to feel more like life than art. Linklater was able to use actual life experiences from his cast to ultimately write a script that is more worthy of being called life than film.
Holding a perfect score on Metacritic and a 98 out of 100 on Rottentomatoes, both open to the public for reviews, it is no wonder the film is being held in such high regards. Because of its popularity this film will set a new standard for indie films, as well as put them back on the market. Many new filmmakers will be excited for the future and what this will truly mean for the potential growth of the industry.
The film doesn’t follow the norm set by todays movie standards, but clearly touches audiences in a truly organic way. Boyhood could define a new kind of realism in filmmaking and become a classic in years to come. We highly recommend it’s a must watch this award season.
http://blogs.indiewire.com/criticwire/why-the-unanimous-praise-for-boyhood-is-bad-for-film-criticism-and-for-boyhood-20140804
http://www.indiewire.com/article/the-success-of-boyhood-should-make-you-excited-for-sundance-2015-20150112
Ellar Coltrane, who ages on screen from six to eighteen, tells the story of Mason a boy who is thrust through his childhood in just under three hours. The coming of age story explores adolescence, everything from the effects of divorce, experimentation with drugs, girls, family and friendship as Mason journeys through boyhood and emerges into manhood. What really makes the film special is that during filming sometimes the scripts were not fully completed until the night before shooting. All of the actors were able to discuss the script openly and use real life experiences to drive the film which allowed the movie to feel more like life than art. Linklater was able to use actual life experiences from his cast to ultimately write a script that is more worthy of being called life than film.
Holding a perfect score on Metacritic and a 98 out of 100 on Rottentomatoes, both open to the public for reviews, it is no wonder the film is being held in such high regards. Because of its popularity this film will set a new standard for indie films, as well as put them back on the market. Many new filmmakers will be excited for the future and what this will truly mean for the potential growth of the industry.
The film doesn’t follow the norm set by todays movie standards, but clearly touches audiences in a truly organic way. Boyhood could define a new kind of realism in filmmaking and become a classic in years to come. We highly recommend it’s a must watch this award season.
http://blogs.indiewire.com/criticwire/why-the-unanimous-praise-for-boyhood-is-bad-for-film-criticism-and-for-boyhood-20140804
http://www.indiewire.com/article/the-success-of-boyhood-should-make-you-excited-for-sundance-2015-20150112