Favorite of Year

Rating: 10/10 (17 February 2015)

WHIPLASH Damien Chazzelle's Whiplash tells cinema's most compelling and engaging story of 2014. Despite a synopsis sure to put audiences to sleep, Whiplash's amazing performances, masterful direction, and powerful themes create a movie guaranteed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Whiplash follows Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), a gifted young drummer attending the nation's top music school. Neiman struggles to make it into the school's most prestigious jazz band where he encounters a vicious Terrence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), reminiscent of the drill sergeant of Full Metal Jacket. Neiman's desire to be the best there ever was and Fletcher's non-conventional methods of pushing him to his goals create a friction between the characters. This fuels competition and dialogue whose explosiveness are rarely seen in modern film. In his pursuit of greatness, Neiman must let go of what he loves as he and Fletcher clash in ways that will get your heart pounding. Whiplash is a story of true passion, start to finish. The propulsion for such a driving film is the fantastic performances by its cast - namely that of Simmons. Simmons becomes completely unrecognizable; it took less than a minute of screen-time to forget about his portrayal of J. Jonah Jameson from Sam Raimi's Spiderman (no small feat). Simmons draws from the tough J.J.J. to create a character whose intensity steals the show. Commanding the screen in every frame he's on, Simmons' energy and sincerity is palpable. The depth of his character is shown in the third act, where we're introduced to entirely new layers of his mind. Teller also gives the best performance of his career, elevating a character from a good drummer, to a prodigy driven by genuine passion. Scenes involving both Simmons and Teller are nothing short of electrifying. Their presence and ability to play off of each other converge in scenes that are shocking, yet feel natural. Teller's best scenes by far are the ones in which the dynamic between he and Fletcher is shown. Simmons brings Teller to an entirely new level of acting prowess in their scenes together. Images of Andrew Neiman's intense and bloody practices are also well done by teller and provide viewers with pathways straight into his mind. The believability and intensity of the acting talent resulted in a movie that engages on many levels. I found myself unable to leave the theater for even a second; even though my popcorn was in need of a refill. Chazzelle's ability to create tension was unrivaled in 2014. Every creative choice contributed perfectly to the narrative as it flowed from start to finish. The score, an eclectic mix of jazz classics, paces the film as we progress. The title track Whiplash is incredibly fitting. Viewers are pulled back and forth as they progress through this swift emotional ride. The music does the job of a film score – it fades into the background, furthering the visual sentiments passively. The cinematography stylistically inventive while technically classical, much like many of the jazz greats Neiman attempts to emulate. In terms of pacing, the film is absolutely perfect. Each scene wets viewer's appetites, leaving audiences begging for more, even until the credits roll. Chazzelle propels the story forward with tension that locks your eyes to the screen. In his second feature-length film, Damien Chazzelle more than impresses - he astonishes. Masculine virtues like tough-love and a visceral desire for greatness are explored in depth, and treated with real artistic regard. The harsh relationship between Fletcher and Neiman, especially when juxtaposed against his weak and infinitely apologetic father, give insight into raising a child with drive. The ideas of fatherliness we gain from both Fletcher and Mr. Neiman are sure to appeal to sons and fathers alike. Andrew Neiman's pure white-knuckled desire to be the best fuels a fire within him burning so bright Fletcher notices it from seeing him play only a few seconds. The film explores what it takes to realize dreams like Neiman's, and it even touches on contemporary society's over- sensitivity and issues with political correctness. These themes are well discussed in film, and the uniqueness of its messages is certainly one of Whiplash's greatest merits. The ability of Whiplash to outline specific commentary without the use of text at the end (I'm looking at you, The Imitation Game) is commendable. He crafts a narratively subtly, yet each point he makes is impactful. Although it deals with motifs and ideas with tact and expertise, Whiplash doesn't hit as hard emotionally as many other films this year. While it is gripping, and we become invested emotionally, we're not left contemplated the ideas he presents to us. The present commentary consists of respectful exploration, but doesn't hit hard, and doesn't delve into any particularly important topics of the time. Perhaps this will prevent it from becoming dated, but the movie just doesn't quite stack up to other films of its year like Boyhood narrative-wise. As a drummer myself, some inconsistencies between what was being played and what I heard were apparent. When compared to other movies, however, the film did an incredible job. Teller appears to actually be a much better drummer than I am. In part the movie, the blood on Teller's hands was poorly done and obviously fake. These flaws were very minor and didn't ever detract from my experience. Unfortunately, one scene in particular removed me from the movie. Neiman has a conversation with his family over dinner that in an attempt show his lack of regard for those around him ends up awkward and labored. Aside from that specific scene, there wasn't a weak performance to be found. Overall Whiplash has to be one of the best films of 2014, close to Iñárritu's Birdman. The nearly impeccable acting, artful directorial choices, and thematic weight combine for an immensely and excitingly electric enjoyable film. What flaws exist are too small to have a significant impact on my experience.