Masterpiece set in the jazz universe

Rating: 9/10 (23 October 2015)

This film is about a promising young drummer studying at the best musical college of the country and his conflicted interaction with his teacher, played by J.K. Simmons.
Simmons plays an abrasive, almost sadistic tutor, who pushes his students far beyond the line, physically as well as mentally, hoping to discover and shape the greatest jazz musician of the 21st century. His motto can be defined in one sentence: " There are no two words in the English language more harmful than 'Good job'." Whereas Miles Teller embodies a new student to his class, dreaming of fame and greatness. As one could tell by this premise, their relationship is complex and holds mixed feelings of hope, violence, revenge and mental strength.
It's one of the best films I have seen in the past years. The cast as well as the director have done an extraordinary job at catching those feelings on scene. The atmosphere is obviously dark and there is a lot of tension, and even as a spectator, you feel it deeply. I could not stand on my chair without being frustrated, or horrified or letting out gasps of surprise as I was watching it! In conclusion, I highly recommend this masterpiece to everyone!
Bonus information: the film was filmed in the incredibly short time of 19 days, shot for 14 hours a day! This adds input on the incredible tension and pressure the movie evokes.