A Film About Life

Boyhood stars Eller Coltrane, Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke. It was shot over a 39 day period, which was spread over 12 years.

We are introduced to the character of Mason, who is played by actor Eller Coltrane at the age of 6 and the film follows his life through to the age of 18. Although the film is called ‘Boyhood’, which is what the film on one level is about- it is also about Motherhood, Fatherhood and Sisterhood, as they also develop, grow older and change along with Mason. Linklater constructs these scenes that show all the different milestones that children go through on the way to young adulthood. It was a very novel feature to see a young Ethan Hawke and a young Patricia Arquette in a film that has only just been released this past year. Some would say that the film isn’t really that special and it wouldn’t even be that highly praised if it wasn’t filmed over 12 years. I think the point of the film is to remind audiences how fast time can pass without you realising it and to show that life is just a series of milestones. By the time you get to the end of the two hours and forty six minute running time you understand why the film is so special, because you feel the weight of the journey Mason and his family have been on. Then you begin to look at your own life and which milestone you are currently at. This film probably isn’t one to put on at a party to watch for three hours, but it should definitely be watched by everyone at least once.

A special film with outstanding acting by Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette. Doesn’t have much re-watchability.

On Thursday 29th January, I went to watch ‘Starred Up’ at Signal Films. As someone who has a high interest in crime and the prison system, I was really looking forward to seeing this film.

From the opening scene where you see the main character ‘Eric Love’ being admitted into the prison, you feel the coldness, harshness by the setting of the scene. The film was filmed at the former HM Prison Crumlin Road in Belfast although it wasn’t actually set there in Ireland. I liked how they portrayed the relationships between the character for example; Eric and his father, Nev Love who is high up in the notarity of the inmates. There’s Eric and Oliver, the group therapist. Then Eric against the prison officers/governor. As it is male orientated, you can expect violence, and survival tactics but I enjoyed seeing the vulnerability, especially in Eric. At times during the film, t made me feel angry for Eric and even for Oliver, other parts of it actually pulled at my heart strings. This all balances out the brutality and harshness of the film and gives it a deeper level. It is definitely more of a human tale rather than just being a prison drama. The fact it is not glamourised makes it more realistic and gritty.

I would definitely recommend everyone to give this film a chance. The cast did a fantastic job of portraying their characters and Jack. O’Connell is one to watch out for. He brings a mature, intense and relatable nature to the character, Eric. I find it hard to remember that Jack is only 24 years old but from research, he himself has been on the wrong side of the law so he was able to use his own experiences into this. I think this helps to build the character of Eric and the film to be as realistic as it can be.

So, I thoroughly thought Starred Up is a fantastic film and I hope everyone gets to see it. I’m thankful for Signal Films showing it and keep a look our for other films they will be having on.