Boyhood

I generally don't care too much about things that are realist in both style and story. Boyhood was certainly both, and oddly engaging. This movie justifies realism, riding the technique to increased, not decreased, stimulation. It resonates a broad band of my fundamental wavelengths, while superhero movies (can't talk about stimulation without talking about them) simply electrify a single wire in my circuitry of desire.

I generally don't care too much about things that are realist in both style and story because they don't give me anything new to take home. I typically haven't broadened my artistic palate (as Tarkovsky might broaden it), found new perspective through a manufactured vantage (Interstellar), or provided myself one of those YOLO experiences you just can't apologize for, however base, however ephemeral (Game of Thrones). I used to refuse those last totally. Then I realized my life was dull. I hate that Game of Thrones would be my solution, but it did get me going, while I continue to navigate my overly calm seas, searching for storms I guess?

Realism usually achieves none of entertainment's three purposes, as I just stated them. Boyhood was different. It was hyperrealistic, to engrossing effect, thus justifying the entire genre's existence. It still doesn't give me what a more stylistic, intellectual, or intense movie gives me, but it offered more than I expect from its kind: a rich, positive experience. It was also creative in form, so I got a slightly new angle on filmmaking, though I prefer creativity in sensory style or in plot.

I wish Samantha retained her spunk. She was a funny kid. I like Mason despite his awkwardness and self-indulgence. I certainly defined both qualities as a teenager. In spite of those I was impressed how maturely he interfaced with his mother; I wonder whether I did that? I never had a problem with her, but did I support her like he did? It's so hard for me to judge my high school maturity. I remember feeling very profound and very awkward.

I liked Ethan Hawke's performance/character quite a bit, despite early misgivings. He's not always a well-advised father, but he seemed always to be a well-intended father, ultimately sound of heart and head, and that was enough. Once I came to trust him, I really enjoyed his presence. Even once he domesticates he's an honest and relatively cool father.

I do relate to Mason a bit. I was awkward, artsy, and thoughtful. Differences: I was less feminine, endured far less home chaos, and took fewer risks.