Teacher steals the Show

Rating: 8/10 (16 February 2017)

I really didn't know what to expect from this movie and after seeing it, I'm quite impressed. There are some real-life themes covered in the film and millions of people can relate to them. Every person who sat at a school desk at some point in their life can vividly remember their relation with at least one of their teachers. We remember teachers who influenced our lives in a good way or in a bad way. Is Terrence Fletcher, an experienced and highly appreciated music teacher at a prestigious music college, a good teacher? It's hard to say. *Spoilers* However, I think he did cross the line. Having witnessed the potential of a new, first-year drummer, Terrence Fletcher started a mission. A mission to push his student, to yell at him and embarrass him in front of his colleagues until he realizes he has to work harder and harder. Andrew Neyman, the student, also had a mission. He wanted to become a living legend in the world of music, somebody like Charlie Parker Bird. And, as Charlie's music teacher threw music instruments at him to motivate him and push him just a little bit further, so did Terrence Fletcher. He slapped the poor Andrew, insulted his family, mocked him, cursed him, forced him beyond his physical limits and played little games on him - never letting him know whether he would really get the role in the band. Does the end always justify the means? Even if one may say "yes" there is an additional tragic story in the film. A former Fletcher's student committed suicide because he couldn't handle the pressure and psychological torture. The official diagnosis was depression. This film gives us an interesting psychological game between very similar individuals but in very different roles. Both actors (Miles Teller and J.K.Simmons) played their roles in a marvelous way. However, it seems that the teacher's character is more developed and motivated. He's the one who is leading this game of ambition and a twisted strive for greatness. The student follows him, although his own over-ambition doesn't let him even think of giving up. Many interesting things to think about after seeing the film! And you don't really have to be a jazz fan.