With a just a few alterations, Richard Linklaters Boyhood could just as easily have been called Motherhood. The film follows a young boy named Mason, as he grows from 6 to 18, but the audience also watches his family grow around him. Its amazing to see actors age twelve years over the course of three hours without the help of makeup or prosthetics. But while much of the focus has been on the transformation of the boy in the film, what truly stands out is the transformation of the mother, Olivia, played by Patricia Arquette. In the film, the brunt of parenting burden falls on Olivia, who raises the children as their father Mason Sr. (played by Ethan Hawke) slips in and out of the picture, pursuing his dream to become a musician. The mother's flaws are put under the microscope: the children spend more time with her and consequently can see each mistake she makes; Mason Sr. has the advantage of hiding his dalliances. Seeing their father is a rare delight for the kids, while Olivia must take on the role of the nagging mom. In the end, she finds herself truly alone as her son leaves for college. He doesnt thank her for her sacrifices, and she resents him for it. A feeling every mother probably felt at least one time or another.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
