Intense performances and a brutal outlook make this a must-see

Rating: 9/10 (21 October 2014)

'Whiplash' concerns the efforts of Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller), a jazz drummer student who desperately wants to become 'one of the greats'. This desire is fiercely challenged by his perfectionist, borderline emotionally abusive conductor Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons).
The performances of the two leads are simply fantastic. Miles Teller, relying on small mannerisms and facial tics, is flawlessly able to come across as a highly introverted, yet highly motivated protagonist. JK Simmons on the other hand, excretes aggression and confidence to deliver one of the most terrifying and captivating cinematic roles I've seen in recent years. An almost definite Best Supporting Actor nominee.
The film perfectly captures the intensity and ruthlessness surrounding those trying to break into creative industries. As opposed to going down the cliché-ridden path of showing Andrew being gently fostered and motivated into the jazz scene by a kind, caring professor, 'Whiplash' shows the protagonist being relentlessly put down again and again, almost reaching psychological breaking point in the process.
In adopting this brutal, cynical approach, 'Whiplash' takes what could have been another generic, bland music-themed film and turns it into an intense psychological study of the lengths one can go to to realise their dreams, giving it all the suspense and potency of any classic Hitchcockian thriller. Must-see viewing.