Whiplash is an intense movie that never relinquishes its grip. It's a criticism of show business, the music industry, and what it takes to be famous. Whiplash tells the story of Andrew Neyman, a first year drummer at Shaffer Conservatory, the best music school in the country. While Andrew starts out in regular band classes, he is soon recruited by Terence Fletcher, the highly-esteemed director of the school's studio jazz band. While he realizes Fletcher is tough, he does not expect what's about to come. Fletcher ruthlessly and mercilessly abuses the students emotionally and physically, believing to be great in the music business, you have to endure. He pushes the students to their breaking points, and expects them to live up to the title of best band in the country. This is one intense movie. It's a horrifying depiction of what some teachers are like, and how far show business can push someone to the edge. But it succeeds, and the result is a masterfully created, phenomenal story. With great music!
The acting in this movie is remarkable. Miles Teller is the best I have ever seen him. I've seen him play a range of roles, some comedic and dramatic, but this is his peak so far. As Andrew, he perfectly plays the role of an aspiring student who wants nothing more than be "one of the greats" as he puts it. As he realizes how serious Fletcher is about his band, he distances himself from his real life, practicing near 24/7 to the point that he is actually hurting himself, getting many blisters and bloody sores on his hands. Andrew's PTSD from his horrible experiences is also perfectly acted by Teller. You really believe that this kid has seen hell, with his nervous twitches and darting eyes. It's J.K. Simmons, as the music teacher that really steals the show. He's played in a multitude of movies and shows in small roles, and all has led to this film. As Terence Fletcher, he is ruthless, heartless, and cruel in the way he treats his band. He physically slaps Andrew multiple times when he can't tell him whether he's rushing or dragging in tempo, and hurls a chair at him. And the worst thing is his language. Throwing multiple racist and homophobic slurs as well as swear words at students, he creates a fear in his students that he believes somehow translates into respect. The climax of his abuse comes at a time when he forces his three drummers to play a few measures as fast as possible, shifting among themselves, for nearly six hours. Blood and sweat soon coat the drumset while he screams at them to keep playing. It's tense and terrifying to watch, but Simmons is revelatory in his performance.
The acting is definitely the best part of the movie, but it succeeds with all of its other accomplishments. The directing is fantastic, the camera angles are spot-on, and the music...the music is incredible. But I could've guessed beforehand that a movie centered on a jazz band would have strong music. The music definitely sticks with you after the film's close. I still have "Whiplash" (the piece from which the movie derives it name from) stuck in my head. There's no doubt in my mind that the team who worked on this movie were very careful in their execution of every detail.
Whiplash is basically a perfect movie. I've been using my critical mind to try and find a fault in it, but I can't find any. So there's nothing I can do but award it a full five stars. Deservedly so, I might add. As for awards potential, I'm going to bet that in this movie, we've found the winner for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. J.K. Simmons is a force to be reckoned with. As for other awards, I see it maybe getting a screenplay or cinematography nomination. Maybe a Best Actor nomination for Miles Teller, but with so much competition, I see that being very unlikely. I would highly recommend this for anyone who can take such an intense movie, but for anyone who's a fan of music or in a music program would love it.
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