The dedication Linklater exhibited over 12 years is so clear in how this film is masterfully directed. We are given but a glimpse of Mason’s major life moments, from the innocence of a young boy explaining his theories on how the world works, through the tumultuous family struggles, and on to the precipice of his life when he now must live his life outside of the camera, outside of the construction that he grows to lament in the latter part of the film. We can see how children can be pawns to their parents needs until they begin making breaking away, making their own choices, for good, or for the moment.