Making of ‘Boyhood’: Richard Linklater Talks About Building Around Life’s Little Moments (Exclusive Video)

“I was really trying to go for those off-kilter moments,” said the writer-director. “They’re not trying to say any big statement about growing up. It’s just another moment in your life”

Richard Linklater created something unique and memorable with “Boyhood,” fresh off a three-win night at the Golden Globe Sunday. The coming-of-age movie, filmed over a 12-year period took home honors for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress for Patricia Arquette.

Written and directed by Linklater, who lovingly steered his film for more than a decade, “Boyhood” succeeds by keeping its focus on all those everyday little things that make up life.

In TheWrap’s exclusive behind-the-scenes video, Linklater talked about his inspiration for his saga of a young boy growing from six-years old into young adulthood.

“It’s funny the way memory works. I’m kind of obsessed with that,” he said. “So this film I was really trying to go for those off-kilter moments. You know, they’re not trying to say any big statement about growing up. It’s just another moment in your life.”

The idea wasn’t to focus on the highlights of a life — those moments that resonate in our memories — but rather on simpler moments. “There’s a lot of drama in and around, but to varying degrees,” he said of the moments in the film. “What’s dramatic? What’s not dramatic? What’s banal? What’s poetry?”

Sandra Adair, the film’s editor, admitted that putting this film together taught her something about life. “I think the primary thing I learned on ‘Boyhood’ was how to really pay attention to the small moments,” she said. “The little expressions, the space between the words. And to have patience.”

Working on a film over a span of 12 years or more certainly demands patience, and a strong sense of vision. But those efforts have certainly paid off, with “Boyhood” receiving near universal acclaim, dominating critics’ year-end lists and earning a slew of awards nominations and wins.

Watch the exclusive video here.

“Boyhood” was written and directed by Richard Linklater, who also produced alongside Jonathan Sehring, John Sloss and Cathleen Sutherland. The film stars Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke and Lorelei Linklater.

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