Boyhood · written by Richard Linklater · 2014

Mason tells Dad he is tired of moving; Dad describes work and promises they will adapt before Mason pushes him into the river.

Scene 84 of 160 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Mason
Dad

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:19 into a 3:02 film

The story so farBefore scene 84

As his mother’s homes and relationships change, Mason grows from a restless child into a young photographer learning to choose his own direction before leaving for college.

Scenes 1–11
Mason’s world is a child’s local orbit of school, siblings, play, and a family not yet displaced.
Scenes 12–23
The move exposes Mason’s wish to keep his friends and stay connected to his absent father while Olivia seeks a more secure life.
Scenes 24–74
Mason enters successive new family arrangements: Dad’s return, Olivia’s marriage to Bill, and finally escape from Bill’s house.
Just before
Scene 81
A supportive housewife praises the young canvassers, then Dad has Mason remove a rival campaign sign and calls it patriotism.
Scene 82
Dad interrogates Samantha about a party, her boyfriend, and contraception until Tammy arrives; he admits he wishes he had been a better parent.
Scene 83
Dad explains the lyrics and production of a Wilco song to Mason as they drive.
Scene 84
This scene

84EXT. RIVERBED - DAY

Mason and Dad walk along the rocks, mid-conversation. They sit down near the water and begin taking off socks and shoes.

MASON

Yeah, I think she's about to get her

master's degree.

DAD

Well, then she's gonna start applying

for teaching jobs?

MASON

I think she already has.

DAD

Really? Where?

MASON

(shrugs)

All over.

DAD

All over Texas?

MASON

Yeah.

DAD

Well, if you gotta move, you gotta

move, you know? It's no big deal.

We can handle that. I'll still come

get you every other weekend. I mean,

unless she moves 500 miles away or

something, it'll just be a little

more car time. No big deal.

MASON

I'm just kinda sick of moving.

DAD

Well, I bet you are. But you know,

you never know. I mean, I might

have to move, right? I'm working

for this insurance company now.

These places get bought and sold all

the time. You know? We'll just

roll with it.

They take off pants, walk up to the water in boxer shorts.

MASON

I thought you were a musician?

DAD

I am but... life is expensive, you

know. Guy's got to be responsible.

What do you think?

Mason pushes his Dad into the water, then dives in himself.

DAD (CONT'D)

Hey, hey, you bast -- Oh you, punk

kid! You got no respect!

Dad splashes his son and they both begin to swim.

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