Years ago, a friend of mine had a real vendetta against Boyhood. He had lots of negative things to say about Boyhood that I can accept as valid criticisms. He had one criticism that I couldn’t accept, though: He said that Boyhood is a “gimmick.”
I think the P&A folks love the term “gimmick” because they can use it to get more people into the theatres. I wouldn’t use it to describe a director. Nor would I use it to describe a technique. “Gimmick” makes it sound like a movie is trying to trick audiences in some way. In reality, if it serves the story, go for it. I admit, I’ve been drawn to watch movies before when I hear that the filmmakers have employed a certain technique or style. “Buried” comes to mind.
Agreed on all counts! Boyhood is far from a trick, and to your point, it employs a technique that serves the story so well that it justifies the film's existence in the first place. Linklater took a well-worn genre and did something brand new with it.
I think the P&A folks love the term “gimmick” because they can use it to get more people into the theatres. I wouldn’t use it to describe a director. Nor would I use it to describe a technique. “Gimmick” makes it sound like a movie is trying to trick audiences in some way. In reality, if it serves the story, go for it. I admit, I’ve been drawn to watch movies before when I hear that the filmmakers have employed a certain technique or style. “Buried” comes to mind.
Agreed on all counts! Boyhood is far from a trick, and to your point, it employs a technique that serves the story so well that it justifies the film's existence in the first place. Linklater took a well-worn genre and did something brand new with it.