Movie Review: Whiplash (2014)

The movie “Whiplash” is about a young ambitious jazz drummer Andrew Neiman (role played by Miles Teller) who wants to be one of the great musicians of all times and be recognised and remembered the world over and his extremely abusive, intimidating music teacher Terrence Fletcher (role played by J.K. Simmons) who believes in pushing his students to go beyond anyone’s expectations.

Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession while his ruthless teacher pushes him to the brink of his ability and his sanity. Andrew is soon embroiled in cut throat competition against his fellow drummer students and also breaks up with his girlfriend so that nothing can stop him from being the best. The teacher, Terrence Fletcher is cruel, unrelenting in his demand for perfection and at times violent. He is certainly not a man you would wish as a teacher for your children.

What starts as a clash of wills between the teacher and student, becomes a full blown battle which results in loss of job for the teacher and the expulsion of student from his school. The vindictive teacher wants the whole world to witness the drummer’s humiliation but in the end it is the student who earns his teacher’s respect and approval by just not giving up.

J.K Simmons as the brutal, overbearing music teacher in Whiplash is exceptional and his acting can only be described as magnificent. He won the 2015 Academy award for best supporting role.

The only negative thing about the movie was its torrential use of the F word and strong language throughout the film.

Plenty of sweat, tears and blood but this is the price that success and fame demand. The movie will make you think about the cost of being a great artist and how much is too much when it comes to pursuit of excellence.

Highly recommended!

Director/writer: Damien Chazelle