“You know how everyone’s always saying seize the moment? I don’t know, I’m kind of thinking it’s the other way around, you know, like the moment seizes us.”

Although the project briefs of representing a person have now come to an end, I thought it would be good to see how the professionals do it. Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood” is the epitome of a portrait. Filmed over the course of 12 years, Linklater delves into the adolescence of Mason Evans Jr (portrayed by Ellar Coltrane) as he matures between the ages of 2002 – 2013 growing up in Texas. Experiencing the ups and downs of divorce, drug use and graduation, audiences literally see Mason growing up in front of their very eyes. With a soundtrack true to its era, it really is a nostalgic journey for anyone watching. It is truly amazing to see such a work of art that has been created over such a vast period of time by individuals with such an obvious investment in the project. It is simply extraordinary to experience the film first handedly, as a representation of a specific individual and their triumphs and downfalls.
Nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards and rated 8.1 on IMDB, this film is one of beautiful moments, with concept rich with emotion and naturalism, as Linklater uses its duration to remind everyone that life is about the little moments.