Whiplash
Film
Review by Kam Williams
Prodigy and Perfectionist Professor Square-Off in Mesmerizing Jazz Drama
19 year-old Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller)
got more than he bargained for when he entered the hallowed halls of mythical
Shaffer Conservatory. The promising prodigy had reasonably expected what was
arguably the best music school in the entire country to be the ideal place to
pursue his ambition of becoming a celebrated jazz drummer.
But, from the first day of class, he ends up under the thumb of Terence
Fletcher (J.K. Simmons),
an impatient perfectionist with a twisted teaching method. This Machiavellian
professor’s approach involves not only belittling his students but pitting them
against one another by making them compete for spots in the school’s elite performance
band.
In Andrew’s case, he has to contend for the coveted drummer’s
chair with both an upperclassman (Nate Lang) and a fellow newcomer (Austin
Stowell). Meanwhile, he finds himself
having to duck chairs being thrown at his head while simultaneously being
called everything from a “retard” to a “pansy ass” to a “tonal catastrophe” by
a taskmaster who rationalizes the abuse on the tough love theory that his job is
“to push people beyond what was expected of them.”
A perverse relationship evolves in which Andrew willingly breaks
up with his patient girlfriend (Melissa Benoist) and surrenders any semblance
of a social life in order to “Practice! Practice! Practice!” for the sake of
his Svengali-like coach. However, such a narrow, self-negating path gradually
takes a toll on his body and soul, as evidenced by bloody, calloused hands and ensuing
bouts of depression.
Written and directed by Damien Chazelle (Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench), Whiplash is
a wonderfully-electrifying drama very much akin to an overcoming-the-odds sports
saga. Yet, it might be better thought of as a novel variation on the
protégé-mentor theme typified by such relatively benign offerings as The
Emperor’s Club, Dead Poets Society and Mr. Holland’s Opus.
The groundbreaking adventure has already generated considerable Academy
Award buzz, thanks to universal critical and popular acclaim. Look for veteran
thespian J.K. Simmons to land a well-deserved nomination at the very least, but
don’t be surprised if his co-star Teller and up-and-coming director to be
reckoned with Chazelle are invited to Oscar night, too.
A compelling, coming-of-age tale
about a lifelong dream-turned-neverending nightmare, all because of a sadistic studio
bandleader from Hell!
Excellent
(4 stars)
Rated R
for profanity and some sexual references
Running time: 107 minutes
Distributor: Sony
Pictures Classics
To see a trailer for Whiplash, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d_jQycdQGo
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