The Best Film of 2014

Rating: 9/10 (23 January 2015)

'Whiplash' is probably my favourite film from 2014 (it was a 2015 release here in the UK but that's because of the way the award season works). No other film from last year drew me in and put me on the edge of my seat the way this film did. It is extremely well written, directed and edited. Damien Chazelle did a terrific job at making me feel the tension and anxiety that Andrew felt. The way Chazelle angled and moved the camera around was a bit unusual, but it made it feel like that there was someone with a unique and clear voice behind this film and directing it with passion, which drew me in even closer. Chazelle is clearly a writer/director to watch out for in the future.
But when talking about this film, you cannot forget the performances. Miles Teller is a great as Andrew. He brings to the character the necessary drive and sociopathy (but not too much) need to make him interesting and watchable. The side characters are also great. In particular, Andrew's dad and Nicole, Andrew's girlfriend, were characters we do not spend a lot of time with, but are well written and well acted enough that they feel like real people who we like spending time with.
However, the real star of the film is J.K. Simmons, who gives a standout performance as Terence Fletcher, who looms over Andrew throughout the film. Simmons does a magnificent job at bringing the character to life and making him monstrous, intimidating and surprisingly funny all at once. He is going to win the Oscar.
And, of course, there's the finale. The climax is probably one of the best scenes in a film that I have seen in a long time. This is where Damien Chazelle excels as both a writer and a director. It is a non-stop thrill ride that it is incredibly nerve-racking. It is also brilliantly shot and edited. I don't think I have ever been more entranced by a film than this ending
If you have not already seen 'Whiplash', I highly recommend that you seek it out no matter how far the nearest cinema showing it is. Believe me, it is worth the hype.
http://boxd.it/4SGHF