You're a Big Boy Now

You're a Big Boy Now is a 1966 coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by a young and ambitious Francis Ford Coppola. With an ensemble cast headlined by Elizabeth Hartman, Geraldine Page, and Rip Torn. The film, adapted from a novel by David Benedictus, is a whimsical exploration of the youthful peregrination from adolescence to adulthood, masterfully set against the vibrant backdrop of the mid-60s New York City.

In this film, the protagonist, Bernard Chanticleer, is portrayed by Peter Kastner, who impresses with his comic timing and endearing innocence. Bernard is a sheltered young man whose suffocating parents, played by Rip Torn and Geraldine Page, have sheltered him excessively. Page, an established actress, showcases her versatility as matters between mother and son vacillate between goofy humor and heartfelt earnestness. Torn shines as the aloof father diligent in maintaining dictatorial control over his son's life.

However, Bernard begins to feel the prickling desire for freedom, independence and an identity separate from his familial ties. Eventually, he manages to move out of his parents' house and into a room at the New York Public Library, where he works. This change serves as the impetus for Bernard's journey of self-discovery, and both the humor and melancholy these experiences often carry.

The film is rife with the angst that characterizes the tumultuous transition to adulthood, piercing through the film’s overall comedic tone. Elizabeth Hartman plays Barbara Darling, an aspiring actress who becomes a key player in Bernard's voyage of self-discovery. Hartman's portrayal of the manipulative, intimidating, yet enigmatic Barbara is captivating and often contrasts the innocence of Bernard, creating a tension that drives much of the plot.

Stylistically, You're a Big Boy Now stands out vividly. Coppola displays his trademark audacious approach with striking sets, quick-cut editing, and a pulsating soundtrack scored by The Lovin' Spoonful, which lends a zippy energy matching well with the vibrancy of New York City and the convoluted emotions of youth. Throughout the film, you can see glimpses of the creative genius that would later give us cinematic masterpieces like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.

Despite its satirical undertone, the film acutely captures the angst, exhilaration, and uncertainty of the passage into adulthood. Bernard's highly relatable trials and tribulations involve seeking self-expression, confronting emotional fractioning, battling societal expectations, experiencing romantic entanglements, and making independent life decisions.

Not to be overlooked are the complex relationships Bernard shares with his parents. The deeply poignant moments interspersed throughout the film are especially significant, adding dimension to the otherwise comedic narrative. It explores the shift in generational perspectives and struggles, making You're a Big Boy Now a somewhat timeless tale of maturation in any era.

Adding dimension to the story are Bernard's idiosyncratic roommates - the proudly bohemian Raef del Grado, played by Tony Bill, and his pet falcon. These characters add additional color to the narrative, introducing Bernard and, by extension, the audience to the unconventional lifestyles of the counterculture movement of the sixties.

The multiple character arcs, with each undergoing their own personal journeys, contribute to delivering a layered narrative. With the beautifully rendered visuals of New York – the bustling city scenery, the tranquility of Central Park, the majestic New York Public Library – serving as the film's backdrop, the city becomes a central character in itself, shaping the experiences of Bernard and his companions.

You're a Big Boy Now is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that maps the highs and lows of stepping into adulthood in a rapidly changing world. It encapsulates the freedom, uncertainty, laughter, heartache, and the wonderful confusion that comes with growing up. Despite its release over 50 years ago, the film's essence continues to strike a chord with the audience, making it a timeless classic in its genre.