Boyhood: The Art of Growing Up 

Written and directed by Richard Linklater in 2014, “Boyhood” is a story that has captivated audiences thanks to the deep empathy it evokes in viewers. This coming of age film tells the story of two kids, and is the collage of all their memories from ages of six to eighteen. It touches different periods of their lives, depicting the process of maturing in a new and intimate way that has never been seen before, making this a revolutionary feat in the world of film. But how has he done this?

 

   One of the films main theme’s is the passage of time, and the transformation of the characters. In order to understand how the kids matured throughout the movie, it is important to understand how they matured in real life. Linklater understood the importance of this and took it by himself to go one step further, and instead of replacing the cast; he waited until they were older to film new scenes. In total, the movie took twelve years to film and produce, projecting a more organic and natural feel to the ageing of all the characters, giving the film a unique continuity. It makes the film more real and intimate as the viewer literally sees the characters grow up on film.

 

   Released by Nonesuch Records, the movie's soundtrack plays a crucial role as it evokes a sense of nostalgia. Moreover, it is representative of the different periods of youth that they experienced. The movie starts off by playing the song “Yellow” by Coldplay. The lyrics “look at the stars, look how they shine for you” portray the protagonist's initial naivety and innocence by thinking that they are the centre of the world and that everything revolves around them. Meanwhile, their adolescent phase is clearly depicted by the song: “Badlands" by Bruce Springsteen. This is a more sporadic and rock orientated song that illustrates the rebellious nature of teenagers. And finally, the characters final phase is outlined by the song “Coisa Boa” which portrays a slower and more relaxed  tempo, implying that they calmed down, suggesting towards the end of the chaotic teenage era, and the beginning of a more serene and mature adulthood. The characters have found their place, and settled down. Moreover, the fact that the song is Brazilian constructs the idea that they have experienced personal growth and have acquired cultural diversity, contrasting directly with the lyrics from “Yellow”, showing how they no longer believe that they are the centre of the world. 

 

   The movie's writing is one of its biggest fortes, as the story involves a more simplistic approach that is not over complicated, it also manages to add an intimate touch that makes it easier for the viewer to sympathise and relate to the characters, causing it to be viewed by many as a “comfort film”. Even though the slow pace and lack of constant action could be viewed by some as one of its biggest weaknesses, it can be argued that it also adds to the realism of the story, since it imitates in a more literal way the passage of time, through the appreciation of the mundane, awarding the film more depth and adding layers to all the characters through their experiences.

 

   In conclusion, “Boyhood”  is a movie that allows us to reminisce about the journey we call life, and the universal experience of growing up. It’s a collection of sweet and sour moments that give off the idea that life has its ups and downs, reminding us that life isn’t just a series of milestones, but a collection of fleeting moments that come together to shape who we are. Which is why this is a film that evokes a great emotional resonance that will leave you deep in thought, long after the credits have rolled.