One of the Most Intense, Complex, and Brilliantly Acted Film Ever

Rating: 9/10 (1 February 2015)

Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
Andrew Neyman, a young and talented drummer attending a prestigious music conservatory finds himself under the wing of the most respected professor at the school, Terence Fletcher, one who does not hold back on abuse towards his students - an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods. Leading the top jazz ensemble in the school, Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man's life. Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability-and his sanity. The two form an odd relationship as the student tries to achieve greatness, and the professor will stop at nothing to realize his potential.
Intense, inspiring, and well-acted, "Whiplash" is a brilliant sophomore effort from Director Damien Chazelle, and a riveting vehicle for actors Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons. Chazelle delivers a dark and dazzling jive into the hidden world of competitive music. If you didn't think music could involve actual blood, sweat, and tears, this breathtakingly visceral, coming-of-artistic-age drama will set you straight. Training a keen eye on the proceedings, the Director seems to delight in the spectacle of relentless punishment.
What gives the film such a kick, is its raw and brutal but also very subtle portrayal of the shifting, attritional relations between teacher and student, sorcerer and apprentice - a hugely entertaining, refreshingly subversive take on the well-worn "inspirational teacher" theme: Few relationships in recent cinema have been quite so compelling. Miles Teller's Andrew pounds the drum skins as if his life depended on it. With J K Simmons' chair chucker Fletcher around, it very nearly might. Their relationship is so intense, nerve-wracking, dark, and incredibly complex, I suggest you take a defibrillator to "Whiplash", since the chances of cardiac arrest or spontaneous combustion during Simmons' and Teller's many run-ins and showdowns are high. The climax proves to be the tip of the iceberg, and is as gripping and as unexpected as one you've ever seen or will get to see.
As infectious as the screenplay and Direction of "Whiplash" are, it's the acting that walks away with the most accolades. J.K. Simmons proves - as most of us already knew - he's a great actor, and deserves way more than being recognized as "that actor from said blockbuster" or for doing 30-second commercials as a spokesman for an insurance company. Simmons is unnervingly good as a teacher who rules by intimidation and his own contorted theories, and excels in "Whiplash's" hand-to-the throat storytelling style. To say he's brilliant would be a gross understatement. Miles Teller - who is actually a drummer - convinces us that he's easily among the best of a new crop of young actors from Hollywood's roster. Here is new kid on the block who's willing to stretch his horizons and take on difficult roles. He's wonderful in this one and almost goes toe-to- toe with Simmons.
Compelling, compulsive, and excruciatingly funny, "Whiplash" commands that you never take your eyes off the screen. Come the last beat, you'll probably be exhausted. But you'll also feel darkly entertained, inspired, introspective, and wonderfully alive. As the credits roll, you'll feel like giving "Whiplash" a standing ovation.