Played and her current boyfriend have an

playedby Ethan Hawke, whom Olivia is separated from, portrays the cool, just “ go withthe flow” type of parent. He drifts in andout of their lives and refuses to ascend towards the responsibilities of adulthooduntil later on in the film. As one event rolls into another, the film’s pointof view will embody these qualities as time unfolds.            In the opening scene of the movie, there’s a close-up ofMason (age 6) lying on the ground, the camera is set in a crane shot directlyabove him.

It shows that he’s just a normal child just as any of ushave been. We’re thenintroduced to Mason and his mother at school. Mason has recently beendistracted during class and hasn’t been turning in his homework. As the twoengage in the conversation, there is a close-up on Mason and we’re able to tellthat he is wondering why there is a reason for everything that everyone elsedeems necessary to be done. The age of this movie definitely shows through themusic and technology throughout the duration of the film.

Later on Olivia andher current boyfriend have an argument about how she never has time for himwhen reality is, she’s a full-time mother. Mason is awake in his room while theargument is taking place. In the following scene, Samantha is taunting herbrother while singing Britney Spears’ “ Oops I Did It Again”, and just like anyother American family they have a little sibling fight. Later on, Oliviamentions moving to Houston, Texas to make a better living for herself and thekids.            As we see the character’s leaving their home forthe last time, in a long shot, it allows us to see the characters and all theirbelongings in front of their house. It looks as though we were standing rightacross the street watching them pack and leave.

When Samantha is on the phonewith her friend, Mason’s friend Tommy is on the other line and Samantha tellshim Mason can’t play due to the fact that they’re moving. You can see thedisappointment on Mason’s face and I believe director Linklater intended for usto become emotionally invested at this point. As they