Unrelenting Passion

Rating: 10/10 (3 November 2016)

Some people chose to characterize Whiplash as a sports movie except that the sport is competitive jazz band. If Whiplash is a sports, then it is one of the greatest sports movies of all time. Whiplash is a study on passion and how it can both drive and consume us. Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is our protagonist desperately trying to make the team. He attends a fictional Julliard knockoff with the intent of joining the schools infamous jazz band and becoming "one of the greats." Neiman is a bit of a likable geek but can be annoyingly arrogant. Teller perfectly balances these likable and unlikable qualities so that we as an audience still feel comfortable rooting for him. Neiman has no qualms with putting his literal blood, sweat and tears into becoming the best drummer The real star of the show is the director of of the jazz band, Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Not for the faint of heart, Fletcher does more than wave his hand, vaguely guiding already talented musicians, he pushes them. Fletcher's methods for pushing his students are... questionable to say the least. Don't be surprised to hear any racial or homophobic insults being thrown around. Similar to the drill sergeant from Full Metal Jacket, Fletcher will simultaneously inject fear and humor into a scene in the most terrifying ways. Director Damien Chazzelle smartly allowed J.K. Simmons some freedom with his portrayal of Fletcher, telling him he wanted to see a demon on screen. Chazzelle and editor Tom Cross deserve a great deal of credit for how the film was shot and cut. Every musical note is perfectly matched with accompanied visuals that will have you fully immersed and tapping your feet along.