Analysing coming of age trailers Boyhood

The third trailer I’m going to analyse from my genre is Boyhood.

Setting
The varied settings suggest the different stages in life, each enhancing the character’s growth. We see familiar homes and schools, typical for the coming of age genre.

Dialogue

The dialogue in the trailer emphasises the relationship between the protagonist and his family members. Dialogues like “You’re growing up, Mason” or “It’s like you’re a different person” prove change and personal growth.

Character Types
The characters in Boyhood represent many stages of life and the individuals who influence the protagonist’s journey. With both of Mason’s parents representing different values that shape his development. Friends, siblings, and romantic relationships also complicate Mason’s journey, showing how other people play a crucial role in shaping one’s identity.    

Music
The soundtrack in Boyhood uses music to give a nostalgic feeling and represent different periods in Mason’s life.

Themes
The main theme of Boyhood is growing up. The trailer emphasizes the slow, subtle transition from childhood innocence to the more complex realities of adulthood. Themes of family, identity and self-discovery are conveyed in the visuals and dialogue.

Pacing and Editing
As the trailer moves through short moments of Mason’s life, we see him age in real time. This emphasises the essence of change, a key aspect of the coming-of-age genre.