Where does Greatness come from ?

Rating: 10/10 (3 June 2015)

Define Greatness ? almost everyone has a idea of who the "Greats " Are. In fact almost every body knows the back story of their great and who they are and how they came to be. But What is it what does it meant to be truly great ?
Whiplash is a movie that struggles with that Very question. as it tells the story of Andrew a young man with a love and a driving passion for the drums. his idol is Buddy Rich and he lives for jazz. he studied Charlie Parker and simply lives to play.
The most telling part takes place at a dinner party where Andrew is belittled by his family, for having a lack of friends. And Andrew Retorts that he would much rather live and die like Charlie Parker then to live Like them. When Andrew is reminded that Charlie Parker died alone and friendless with a arm full of heroin He relies that at least Charlie Parker is Remembered. And not only is Parker remembered but he is now a immortal legend. And that would be fine for him. Andrew is driven to be one of the greats .
then he is selected by his university's leading music teacher a jazz musician named Terrence Fletcher.. Fletcher is as driven as Andrew is. Fletcher lives and dreams in terms of music and his one driving goal is to discover the next Charlie Parker the next Buddy Rich. And in doing so he will push Andrew to the breaking point. he will drive him to limits he never knew he possessed. and both of them will end up on a collision course with madness.
Whiplash is a study in passion and the drive to be great. And what it takes to be great.
Its also a study in fear. the fear of what would happen if yo failed achieving what you wanted to be great at.
I was first made aware of Whiplash during the Oscars and saw the stunning footage of J.K. Simmons and I thought to myself I must see this movie . Simmons alone makes it great. the story is engaging and makes you think and its easily one of the best films to come along in a long long time that did not depend on explosions or super heroes like the Imitation game this films greatness lies in its very humanity.