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Whiplash follows the struggles of Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) to become a legendary drummer. To achieve this, he is enrolled as a first-year student at Shaffer Conservatory, listens obsessively to Buddy Rich's album, and practices incessantly until his hands bleed while craving to make it into the school's Studio Band, led by the ruthlessly strict Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons).
One of the most iconic pieces of music that Neiman practices under Fletcher's fist is Hank Levy's "Whiplash". The song is notable for its unusual time signature and sudden changes, which makes it more excruciating to play for a drummer, especially a young one like Neiman. But Fletcher won't take anything less, which is why he hovers over Neiman, with a metaphorical whip in his hand, lashing out every time he misses a beat *crack* "Not quite my tempo".
The film spends its duration exploring this toxic relationship between Neiman and Fletcher as they both feed each other. There's no denying that Neiman respects and idolizes Fletcher, just like there's no denying that Fletcher admires Neiman's talent and skills. But the way they demonstrate that to each other is like a relentless back-and-forth, as they each go from flattering adoration and gentlemanly acknowledgement to incessant bickering and cutthroat insults.
This was truly a masterful showcase of great performances, script, direction, and editing. The way Chazelle allows us to see the motivations of each character, while also not allowing for us to be entirely sure of how to feel about each of them was excellent. Is Fletcher a ruthless, egotistical bastard? Most definitely. Is Neiman a self-righteous prick? I'd say yes. Is there reasoning behind their respective passion for finding "the next Charlie Parker" and "being the next Charlie Parker"? Of course.
Which brings into perspective the question that Neiman asks Fletcher at one point in the film; is there a line? How far can we push to get what we want? and is it worth it in the end? Chazelle doesn't necessarily gives us the answer, but he sure shake us up to try to figure it on our own.
Grade:
WHIPLASH
(2014, Chazelle)
Freebie
(2014, Chazelle)
Freebie
"Is there a line? You know, maybe you go too far, and you discourage the next Charlie Parker from ever becoming Charlie Parker?"
Whiplash follows the struggles of Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) to become a legendary drummer. To achieve this, he is enrolled as a first-year student at Shaffer Conservatory, listens obsessively to Buddy Rich's album, and practices incessantly until his hands bleed while craving to make it into the school's Studio Band, led by the ruthlessly strict Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons).
One of the most iconic pieces of music that Neiman practices under Fletcher's fist is Hank Levy's "Whiplash". The song is notable for its unusual time signature and sudden changes, which makes it more excruciating to play for a drummer, especially a young one like Neiman. But Fletcher won't take anything less, which is why he hovers over Neiman, with a metaphorical whip in his hand, lashing out every time he misses a beat *crack* "Not quite my tempo".
The film spends its duration exploring this toxic relationship between Neiman and Fletcher as they both feed each other. There's no denying that Neiman respects and idolizes Fletcher, just like there's no denying that Fletcher admires Neiman's talent and skills. But the way they demonstrate that to each other is like a relentless back-and-forth, as they each go from flattering adoration and gentlemanly acknowledgement to incessant bickering and cutthroat insults.
This was truly a masterful showcase of great performances, script, direction, and editing. The way Chazelle allows us to see the motivations of each character, while also not allowing for us to be entirely sure of how to feel about each of them was excellent. Is Fletcher a ruthless, egotistical bastard? Most definitely. Is Neiman a self-righteous prick? I'd say yes. Is there reasoning behind their respective passion for finding "the next Charlie Parker" and "being the next Charlie Parker"? Of course.
Which brings into perspective the question that Neiman asks Fletcher at one point in the film; is there a line? How far can we push to get what we want? and is it worth it in the end? Chazelle doesn't necessarily gives us the answer, but he sure shake us up to try to figure it on our own.
Grade: