A genius work of art, that dares to try

Rating: 10/10 (2 March 2015)

Whiplash was not just one of the best movies of the year, but possibly one of the best sports movies ever. That's right, sports movies. Whiplash did so many great things, but what was truly amazing watching it, was not just how good it was, but how in this age of movies it was able to transcend genres and portray a truly original and thought provoking theme, when most other movies don't even try. Never preachy, it presented a truly unbiased look at the question "How much push and pressure, is too much when trying to create talent and when does it go over the line?" The question itself is not an overtly new or creative one, but rather the fact of a movie trying to portray that and doing so, so well is. The movie follows a not all that great aspiring drummer at an elite music school, (Miles Teller). After being discovered by the infamous top jazz conductor at the school, (J K Simmons), he is promoted to the top jazz orchestra in the school. There, J K Simmons character runs the class with a beautifully acted satanic cruelty, as he attempts to push people past their limits and abilities. As Teller's character is pushed harder and harder, he falls into a crazed and exacerbated state where everything from his girlfriend, his dad, and his houses cleanliness falls away as he practices non stop, with that dream of becoming the next Charlie Parker. What we get, is a haunting and genius story that explores with flawless execution, how hard can, or how hard should a person be pushed.