Why Lorelei Linklater Wanted To Quit Boyhood

Boyhood, directed by Richard Linklater, is a groundbreaking film, renowned for its unique approach to storytelling, but Lorelei Linklater still wanted to quit the movie. Boyhood was filmed over 12 years, from 2002 to 2013, as it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the life of a boy, Mason Evans (Ellar Coltrane), as he transitions from childhood to adulthood. The ambitious project stands as a pioneering work in the industry, not only for its prolonged production period but also for its authentic portrayal of the passage of time and the evolution of its characters.

At the heart of this cinematic journey is Richard Linklater’s daughter, Lorelei Linklater, who played Samantha in Boyhood, Mason’s sister. This background led her to eagerly seek a part in Boyhood, seeing it as an opportunity to step into the world of acting under her father’s guidance. However, as the filming progressed over the years, Lorelei Linklater’s experience with the project evolved, leading her to confront unexpected challenges and realizations. Her journey through Boyhood became not just a portrayal of Samantha’s growth but also a reflection of Linklater’s own personal and artistic development.

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Lorelei Linklater Was Uncomfortable With Having Her Growth Documented

Lorelei Linklater’s involvement in Boyhood began as a child’s eager venture into acting. However, as she matured, she became increasingly uncomfortable with the project (via Texas Standard). She described watching the film as a “pretty painful experience,” struggling with the idea of being documented during her awkward teenage years. This discomfort was profound enough that, during what she refers to as the “Harry Potter year,” Lorelei asked her father if her character could be killed off (via Dazed), a request he denied for the sake of the movie’s plot. Of wanting to quit Boyhood, Lorelei Linklater said:

Richard Linklater, reflecting on his daughter’s request, understood her sudden change in attitude towards acting as she hit puberty (via Yahoo). He recalls her proposal to be killed off in the film, akin to an actor leaving a TV soap, but he had to refuse, considering it too dramatic for the narrative he envisioned. The celebrated filmmaker explained:

Lorelei Linklater Is Critical Of Boyhood’s Gender Dynamics

Beyond her personal discomfort, Lorelei has also been critical of Boyhood’s gender dynamics. To Texas Standard, she pointed out a specific scene as an example of the film not being a feminist movie, feeling that some female characters, including her own, lacked depth and personality towards the end.

Despite her critiques and the strange feeling of discussing her father’s film in a negative light, Lorelei maintains a sense of honesty in her relationship with her director dad. She acknowledges the film’s impact and Richard Linklater’s artistic prowess, yet she does not shy away from expressing her concerns about certain aspects of Boyhood.​​ On being critical of her father’s work, Lorelei Linklater mentioned:

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Sources: Texas Standard, Dazed, Yahoo