A simple concept with a brilliant execution

Rating: 9/10 (28 February 2016)

"There are no two words in the English language more harmful than "good job"."
This is Whiplash's mantra; Damian Chazelle's second feature starring Milles Teller, who helms the film as a driven musician and drummer in a conservatory band led by the strict and abusive mentor J.K. Simmons. The plot follows their relationship as Teller struggles to gain success and the approval of his mentor.
If you're not a jazz fan, don't worry. "Whiplash" is as much about jazz as "Raging Bull" is about boxing. It's just background, or maybe even less than that. This is a film that knows what audiences are fed, but it also knows what they are craving. Its story might seem almost too simple or formulaic, but the urgency with which it's told is what makes it unique.
In an age where most movies dawdle through their run time, unsure of where to go or what to do, "Whiplash" is a breath of fresh air; but a breath you'll most likely be holding throughout the entire film. "Whiplash" builds up like an exquisite piece of music and doesn't waste a single frame. Teller and Simmons's relationship is at times sick, poisonous and even destructive. Chazelle magnificently frames "Whiplash" in ill lit and oppressive environments. Its close-ups are, for a lack of a better word, claustrophobic and make "Whiplash" look like it just might bend the frame and burst from the film at any time. Of course a lot of this energy is merit of the actors as well and, in this case, to say that J.K. Simmons is great is an understatement. I fail to recall a more menacing and authoritative performance since R. Lee Ermey in "Full Metal Jacket".
Damian Chazelle has taken a simple and universal concept, the eternal struggle for success and acknowledgment, and made it into an incredible and high-octane film. While I know better than to congratulate him, with "Whiplash" I think it's safe to say he's earned it. He's done a hell of a job.