A Minor Glimpse of Life

‘Boyhood’ movie review: Richard Linklater’s emotional epic is a 12-years-in-the-making masterpiece

By: Mike Scott

Source: Nola.com

http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2014/08/boyhood_movie_review_richard_l.html

The review speaks of the movie Boyhood, a unique story of the progression of time seen in the eyes of a boy, Mason, filmed throughout the course of twelve years. Ethos may be seen within the author’s significant knowledge on the filmmaker, his style, his past works, and the current storyline. By this, the reader understands that the author of this review is a credible source of information, even if it is opinion. The review forms claims of fact by stating the true amazement of the movie to not be due to “some plot twist or third-act reveal” (Scott, 1), but rather its simplicity. This statement is arguable, but can be backed up with evidence of the actual plot, which, objectively, is, in its entirety, as simple as “a boy grows up” (Scott, 1). It is actually backed up within the review with a concise summary of the plot including main scene concepts such as the characters going to school, complaining about moving, going to a baseball game (Scott, 1). This information is a loose example of logos (as reviews are often subjective and not based on hard evidence), but allows the reader to get a glimpse into the main storyline, therefore forming an opinion of their own. Claims of value are also seen throughout the review, evident in the line describing Linklater’s (the filmmaker) ability to create “something so compelling out of events that seem so insignificant” (Scott, 1). By adding this onto his statement of the movie’s plot being simple, Scott manages to rid readers of the natural generalization that the movie would therefore be boring, and instilling in them the idea that the film is rather captivating and emotion evoking in a powerful way. Scott also presents a claim of value by categorizing Boyhood in his list of “greatest movies” (Scott, 1), stating them as being “those that hold up a mirror to the human condition and reflect something back at us that we too often manage to overlook” (Scott, 1). Through this subjective perception, Scott manages to instill a sense of connection between the movie and human nature, provoking a natural desire to viewit. These claims prominently appeal to one’s emotions using pathos, as they emit a paradoxical sense of intricacy within a simplistic concept of life, a strong emotional connection with both the characters and storyline, and the wonder of insignificance. To justify his review, the reviewer uses such strategies as stating that to appreciate the movie “you just have to be human” (Scott, 1), supporting his idea of the film as relatable and connection building. By clarifying his criteria for which movies he believes stand out more than others, he provides a clear justification as to why he believes Boyhood is one of them. He incorporates counterarguments such as the possibility of the film being rather boring, while at the same time stating such values within the film that appeal to human nature as a whole.