The Making of Boyhood is a ten-minute feature about the film of the same name that was written, produced and directed by Richard Linklater (Dazed & Confused, School of Rock). Boyhood is a film that was 12 years in the making and is partly fictional and partly autobiographical. It’s also one that could be renamed “Motherhood”, “Fatherhood” or “Girlhood”, as it also chronicles the changes that occur to members of the boy’s family.
The feature sees the film’s lead actress, Patricia Arquette (who plays the boy’s mother while Ethan Hawke plays the father) interview Linklater who explains his motivations for making this film. He explains why he chose Ellar Coltrane to play Mason, the lead character from ages 6 to 18. There are also old interviews and new ones with Coltrane which show him evolve from an engaging and clever child to a thoughtful, young adult. These interviews are also accompanied by clips from the film.
The Making of Boyhood is another interesting facet of this intriguing tale. It offers insights into the film’s production, including the decisions that were made. The latter includes which of life’s big moments (and in-between points) were used for scenes and how Coltrane went on to become collaborator in the film. The fans of this movie will enjoy this feature as it’s an additional puzzle piece in telling the overall, boyhood story.
Review score: FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Boyhood is now available in iTunes and will be released on DVD in January 2015.
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