In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ellar Coltrane, 20, star of Richard Linklater’s film “Boyhood,” talked about the experience of filming such an intense and unique film, as well as the critical acclaim the movie has received since its release.

    Coltrane signed up for his role in the film when he was only 6 years old. “Boyhood” was filmed over the course of 12 years, allowing the audience to see the actors age and grow just as the characters do throughout the plot. Coltrane stars alongside Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette in the groundbreaking movie.

    When asked what he learned during the filming of “Boyhood,” Coltrane said, “It was a very vulnerable process.

    “I had to show parts of myself that I might otherwise have been embarrassed of,” he continued. “When you’re growing up, you’re urged to be ashamed of yourself.”

    Coltrane’s performance has been praised, and the film has been nominated for several awards since its release. When asked about his reaction to the positive feedback, Coltrane said, “It’s very strange. It makes me very uncomfortable to be praised the way that I have been, because it’s just what I’ve been doing. It’s not my movie. Richard created the movie. It’s his project, and I contributed to it.

    “But it’s also beautiful the way that people connect with the movie, the way they have,” he added. “That’s very rewarding. [I hope to] inspire people to appreciate their lives more.”

    Coltrane stars in “Boyhood” as Mason, a young boy who comes of age alongside his sister (Lorelai Linklater) and navigates the trials and tribulations of adolescence. The film has earned a Golden Globe nomination for best motion picture drama and is likely to score an Academy Award nomination for best picture as well. Linklater is nominated for a Golden Globe for best director.(SD-Agencies)