Whiplash (2014)

[Scottie Marberry]

Whiplash2014) is a drama written and directed by Damien Chazelle about Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), a student drummer at a top music school whose ambition to be one of the jazz greats allows him to endure physical and mental abuse.

Whiplash (2014) is a suspenseful thriller that has an unusual and unexpected message about accepting pain and discomfort in order to excel in a field. Many sports movies that focus on physical skill show this type of endurance and grit, but Whiplash goes a bit further than that with vivid and graphic cinematography. The movie humanizes an abusive teacher, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), and essentially justifies his brutal actions toward a young student.

In the real world, and rightly so, neither the students, the parents, nor the administration of a school would ever allow this kind of violent behavior, or anything like it, by a teacher. But that is, in a way, what this movie is criticizing in an exaggerated, over-the-top, and dramatic fashion.

There is no way to become great without a lot of difficult, uncomfortable, work. Whiplash is a vivid representation of the physical and mental stamina that is required to reach the top of a field. No one gets to that level with a pampered attitude, with their mommy complaining that the teacher is too demanding, for example.

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Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons): Truth is, I don\u2019t think people understood what it was I was doing at Shaffer. I wasn\u2019t there to conduct. Any fucking moron can wave his arms and keep people in tempo. I was there to push people beyond what\u2019s expected of them. I believe that is an absolute necessity. [\u2026] There are no two words in the English language more harmful than, \u201Cgood job.\u201D

I don't know how many times I have watched the climax of this movie. The moment where Andrew's father is left dumbstruck and stunned watching his son\u2019s performance forms a lump in my throat and moves me to tears. This performance was like showing the middle-finger to all those people\u2014including parents sometimes\u2014who tell you to forget your dreams and get a normal job like everyone else to earn bread and butter, and to all those people who laugh at you when you pursue your passions and don't settle for an ordinary life. They don't understand that while having a routine job can quench a person's physical hunger, it cannot satiate the longing to become a genius; it cannot give the soul satisfaction.

The movie Whiplash shows us what a human is capable of achieving once (s)he sets his/her eyes on accomplishing a goal. And how against all odds, Andrew shows the 'world' what he is capable of. He just never gave up trying to better himself. Even with a less-than-ideal mentor who is ruthless to the point of being abusive, who doesn't motivate him in the conventional sense, who at times discourages him as well\u2014Andrew succeeds in proving his mettle.

Because some parents can be so overprotective and schools so afraid of losing funding or of damaging their reputations, it results in students being coddled. They are not pushed to greatness; they are rewarded for mediocre work; and\u2014tragically\u2014they never realize their potential.

But it is those few people who endure\u2014who could never be discouraged no matter what obstacles or pain they encounter\u2014who do indeed become great. This movie is for those who understand that.

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This film is receiving quite a lot of Oscars buzz, and rightly so. Directed by Damien Gizelle, Whiplash (2014) is a fast paced example of the perfect cinematic mix between excitement and frustration. Whiplash tells the story of Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), who has dreams of becoming the best drummer in the world. One day at college, he is practicing his drums and is noticed by the most infamous teacher at his college, Terence Fletcher (J. K. Simmons); whose perfectionism and skill as a conductor is overshadowed by his violent methods of motivating his band. What follows is an impeccably illustrated and impressively acted tale of obsession and pain.

Here are the Oscars that Whiplash has been nominated for: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (for J. K. Simmons), Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Writing for an Adapted Screenplay, and last but not least, Best Picture. Funnily enough, all of these categories are my favourite things about this film.

I also loved how there were around five different points where the movie could have ended, and each would have given the film a completely different message. It really fit the theme as well, in terms of pushing yourself beyond the limit.

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