Whiplash (2014)

Director: Damien Chazelle 
Story: Damien Chazelle
Cast: J.K. Simmons, Miles Teller
Music: Justin Hurwitz
Time: 106 minutes
Bottom-line: Exhilarating, thrilling and inspiring 

Perhaps the most inspiring film among all the Best Picture nominees at the 87th Academy Awards, this independent drama by Damien Chazelle is about a student-teacher relationship. Miles Teller and J.K Simmons play the lead roles, with Paul Reiser and Melissa Benoist playing the supporting roles. Whiplash won three Academy Awards – Supporting Actor for Simmons, Editing and Sound Mixing.

Shaffer Conservatory, New York – Andrew Neiman (Miller) is a jazz artist who plays the drums. Seeing him practice, acclaimed conductor Terence Fletcher (Simmons) decides to give him a chance in his band. But in their first class, Fletcher abuses Andrew – physically and verbally – when he can’t keep up the tempo. Despite this, Andrew gets a chance to impress Fletcher and is eventually promoted to the core drummer. As the story progresses, we see how Andrew’s life changes because of competition from peers, Fletcher’s eccentric behaviour, and his determination to become one of the best musicians (the next Charlie Parker, as he puts it).

Teller as Andrew Neiman

The chemistry between Andrew and Fletcher is quite engaging, right from the start. The first encounter where Fletcher hurls a chair at Andrew and abuses him gives the perfect introduction to the former’s martinet attitude. We see the kind of perfection he wants when he auditions all three drummers in taxing sessions till 2 AM. The scene where he dismisses Andrew from the band shows his crazy side but later we see that all he really wants to do is “push people beyond what’s expected of them”. That is what any good teacher will want, but Fletcher’s methods make you think twice if what he is doing to his students is morally right. Andrew’s character as a student goes through all the emotions one gets under such a teacher – depression at being rejected, sacrificing so much to achieve his goal, determination to succeed, and willing to suffer for it... and finally succeeding when the time comes.

Simmons as Fletcher

Whiplash makes you consider to what length you are willing to go before you succeed, or, on the contrary, break down. We hear the story of another student, a highly successful musician under Fletcher, but who committed suicide because of suffering from depression and anxiety. When Fletcher tells Andrew that he is so terrorising as a teacher because he is actually trying to create a “second Charlie Parker”, Andrew asks him what would happen if he student broke down before actually becoming that way and Fletcher responds by saying a true Parker would not break down. While the film inspires you to drop everything and move towards your goal, it also makes you think to what extent you are willing to push yourself, and whether achieving it will ultimately make you happy.

Something to think about... 

While you absolutely loathe his character for being so eccentric and abusive, you simply love J.K. Simmons for portraying Terence Fletcher. The director told Simmons that he needed to see an animal on stage from his character, and what a fine performance indeed! Simmons induced genuine terror from the band members, who are actual musicians in real life, and after the movie you’ll pray to never have Simmons as your teacher! Miles Teller gives an exceptional performance too. The way he shows determination and anger must be applauded. His role in the scintillating climax of the film (with an amazing drum solo) is the highlight.

Overall, Whiplash is thought-provoking, inspiring and highly captivating. Watch it for the acting, the story, and of course, the music!

My Rating: 4/5
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%