"Whiplash" Review

Title: Whiplash

Directed by: Damien Chazelle

Screenplay by: Damien Chazelle

Year: 2014


First premiering at Sundance over a year ago, Whiplash has received immense praise by critics and audiences alike. It came to theatres a few months ago but it was not showing in my area at the time. As such, it wasn't until recently that I was able to watch Whiplash. The very small auditorium and the audience made for a very enjoyable viewing experience. That's what Whiplash is; an experience.

Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) attends Shaffer Conservatory, "the best music school in the country," as a jazz drummer. He has his eyes set on becoming "one of the greats." Terrence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) stumbles upon Andrew's talent and transfers him to studio band, which Fletcher instructs. What ensues is a psychological battle between two very strong characters, as Fletcher uses his infamous tactics to push Andrew past his limits, in regard to both his drumming abilities and sanity.

Whiplash is a stylish, raw, invigorating film that captures what true passion really is from the perspective of both Andrew and Fletcher. Andrew is played by Miles Teller and he is an absolute revelation in the role. Never would I have guessed that the actor who played Miller from the terrible 21 and Over could play an incredible role such as this. Teller is a self-taught drummer, which made him ideal casting for Andrew. He not only puts his drumming skills on display in this movie, but also his acting chops. It appears that Teller has a bright future ahead of him as an actor, and rightly so. However, the scene stealer is Terence Fletcher, played to perfection by J.K. Simmons. Imagine a more sour, R rated version of J. Jonah Jameson and you have Terrence Fletcher. Simmons takes the role and absolutely runs with it. He is quite possibly the highlight of the film and definitely the most memorable part. He will be remembered mostly for his creative insults and drill sergeant demeanour, but there is so much more to the character beneath the surface. Simmons is having an absolute ball playing Fletcher, completely throwing himself into the role, becoming the character. This might just be the best performance by a supporting actor this year. If anyone were to give Edward Norton a run for his money this year, it would be Simmons, without question. The way Teller and Simmons work off each other is electrifying. Each performance is magnetic and dynamic, which allows for a very engaging watch.

Whiplash is actually partially based on Chazelle's real life experience as a drummer, which he described as "dreadful." The story has been expanded upon for this film and it is magnificent on all fronts. The movie wastes no time in kicking off the story, as the very first scene shows Andrew practicing the drums, when Fletcher walks in and asks to see his rudiments. Right from the start, Andrew's passion is apparent, as we can see that he wants to impress Fletcher and make it to his band. As the plot moves forward, we see how obsessed Andrew becomes with drumming, eager to prove himself to Fletcher. The story might just be the most relatable of the year, as everyone can recall a time when they really wanted something and would do anything to achieve their goal. This makes Andrew a character we can easily sympathize with.

Quite possibly the best aspect of the film is the editing. Whiplash contains, without a doubt, the best editing of the year. Everything is quick and stylish, giving the film a singular feel to it. This is especially accentuated when the camera pulls in for those extremely close shots. Such sequences as when Andrew goes to the movies or when he is practicing his drumming are absolutely gorgeous. The quick cuts make the film feel very raw and off-the-cuff, as well as quickly paced. Whiplash never takes a break as everything on screen is always engaging. The editing flows with the music, particularly the drums, perfectly. This editing is on the level of The Battleship Potemkin and is truly a work of art. The film shines with inspired directing, which is impressive considering this is only Chazelle's second time directing and that he is still very young. Chazelle proves that he is a force to be reckoned with in this movie and his career is off to an excellent start. This movie also looks fantastic. A photographical technique is used that makes the foreground and background really pop and look great. The color palette makes the film look stylish and is really easy on the eyes.

The music in this movie is astounding. Every time the band was on screen, I found myself tapping my foot to the music, along with the rest of the audience. The jazz music sounds incredible and gives the film a distinctive vibe. This is some of the best music of the year and matches the film perfectly. Also, Teller's drumming is impeccable. For the majority of the film, if not the entirety, Teller himself is playing the drums. Despite the close ups on the kit that do not show the drummer, it is Teller that is holding those drum sticks. The commitment that he put into the role is commendable. Although he already knew how to play the drums, jazz drumming was completely different from what he knew and thus he had to learn another style of drumming, which included holding the sticks differently. Teller pours his blood, sweat, and tears, very literally, into this role.

Whiplash is also one of the most emotional movies of the year. Andrew's story is so relatable and inspiring and captures the passion in us all. We become so attached to Andrew and we are rooting for him all the way. However, he has to deal with the monster that is Terrence Fletcher and his family as well. Whiplash takes a good look at how families often view artistic talent in children, in that they don't. Very often, parents do not realize that artistic talent is very admirable. Andrew is part of the best band in the country, and yet this is overshadowed by his other family member's accomplishments of being on a football team (third division) and being part of the Model UN. This scene is incredibly intelligent and there is a lot of truth behind it. Everything is going against Andrew and that makes him all the more likable and his journey all the more admirable. Even Fletcher gets a very touching moment when he breaks down. To see this ferocious being brought to such a level is very, very emotional, and Simmons sells it completely.

Whiplash is a movie that really sticks with you long after you have left the theatre. As I type this review, I cannot help but hear drum beats with each press of the key. Whiplash is a considerably low budget film and yet it accomplishes more than many blockbusters did this past year. This is an intense psychological thriller, an original take on the mentor and student relationship, and a heart wrenching story about drive and passion. Near the end, the film seems to betray its ingenuity as it starts to spell out its morals. Fortunately however, the film is too smart for that and turns those morals on their heads in the final scene of movie, and it can all be summed up with the word "upswingin". Whiplash also contains the best final scene of any film of 2014. The performances are unbelievably stunning, with J.K. Simmons stealing the entire film. The sound design is top notch, the editing brilliant, and a fabulous script. Whiplash is also very funny at points and the ride it takes you on is extraordinary. This is one of the best, if not THE best film of 2014, and definitely one of the best films of the past decade. Whiplash is a magnificent experience, and as its title might suggest, you might feel like you are experiencing a whiplash effect throughout. This is an excellent work of art and an instant classic that cannot be missed. Encore!

Grade: A+