Helping parents, youth workers, educators, pastors and others understand and reach today's youth culture
"Boyhood" Thoughts. . . A Post-Oscar Pause. . .
Learning my lines . . .
. . . discovering what it means to follow Jesus, seeing my story swept up into his . . .
February 23, 2015 By Walt Mueller
Like most awards shows, the Academy Awards are worth the time of culture watchers. Filmmakers are the philosophers and dispensers of ideas. In addition, their work mirrors the values and attitudes that have taken root and grown in our culture. . . the things that inform and direct our behaviors.
Last night's Academy Awards were no exception. But what I was pondering the most as the show unfolded was Richard Linklater's film, "Boyhood," which was nominated for "Best Picture." For those who have not seen or viewed the film, the almost-three-hour movie which was filmed over the course of twelve years using all the same cast, tracks the growth and development of a boy named Mason from the time he is six until his freshman year of college. When I viewed the film with a cohort of doctoral students last month, I was struck by how well it captures the realities of human growth and development, along with depictions of so many of the unique cultural forces shaping kids today. Young Mason deals with a broken family, peer pressure, issues of sexuality, substance abuse, individuation, identity formation, and worldview development. It is truly eye-opening and thought-provoking in so many ways.
What sets this film apart from others is not only the creative approach taken by Linklater, but the fact that there is no traditional film plot, as least not as we are used to. After watching the film with her Elementary-School Principal roommate, my daughter Bethany (an elementary-school teacher herself), texted me to tell me that the film was "anti-climactic." She also said, "We were waiting for something to happen. At the end, we wondered, what happens next?"
"What happens next" for Mason and his adolescent peers who are trying to navigate their way through life, form an identity, decide on what they will believe and how they will behave, and what it is that they will choose to center their lives upon? That's a great question. And, I think that's the value of "Boyhood." The closing credits roll and we are left wondering. Like an open book, we wonder if the story will get better or worse. We wonder if hope will be found. We wonder if the story will include a redemptive element.
And now, there's a responsibility that's laid on us. In a way, "Boyhood" asks the church if we are willing to step in and offer the life-giving hope of the Gospel. "What happens next" is up to us.
As you watch "Boyhood," ponder these words of resolve from the Psalmist:
Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.
(Psalm 71:17&18)
← Technology and Loneliness. . .
Russell Brand on Pornography. . . →
John Pabst says:
I have not seen the movie so I will not comment on that,but where you say that hollywood mirrors our culture you can not be further from the truth! Hollywood plants the seeds of sin and debauchery and then makes us believe that is the truth and how society is. Look at how Hollywood has taken the truth away from ADULTRY and lack of respect to authority, not to mention todays train wreck of moral values. Hollywood is what is the core values of lies and deceipt is all about. If they ever clean up their sespool of truth, then I might consider watching their product.
Walt Mueller says:
I would say that you are partially right John. Culture is both a map (as you say) and a mirror (reflecting back to us beliefs that are already entrenched, at least in some portion of the culture). In the case of "Boyhood," it is a powerful mirror of who we are.
I will look into it if it makes it to dvd.
Who I am...
Walt Mueller. . . a guy who was made, messed up, and mercifully made over by His grace. . . struggling to live life to His glory in the now but not yet Kingdom of God. . . longing to enter into that glorious time when what originally was will be fully restored.
"God's Story" by David Arms
Click the image to read the narrative about "God's Story."
CPYU on Facebook
Youth Culture Matters
Navigating This Confusing and Broken World. . . January 18, 2021
New Year, New Body. . . Encouragement For Parents. . . January 12, 2021
What In The World Is Going On? . . . January 7, 2021
Follow CPYU on Twitter
e-Update Signup
Sign up for a FREE weekly e-mail for the latest youth culture news, research, trends and more.
Lancaster, PA: Born 2 B Wired
March 6 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
©2021 Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. All Rights Reserved.