Whiplash Review

At long last, I was able to see Damien Chazelle's critically acclaimed musical drama Whiplash over the weekend. I had heard so much praise directed toward the film that I was convinced it was going to let me down. There was just no way it was as good as everyone was saying. As it turns out, it is just as good as everyone was saying. Not only is this Best Picture nominee a thrilling burst of cinematic achievement and perhaps the most riveting film of 2014, it's also an astute and psychologically intense character study delivered with sledgehammer force. This just might be the movie to dethrone Interstellar as my favorite from last year. I won't quite go that far, since I absolutely loved Chris Nolan's sci-fi epic on basically every level. However, Whiplash comes pretty darn close.

Whiplash is about an aspiring young drummer named Andrew, played by Miles Teller, who finds himself recruited by a respected music instructor named Terrence Fletcher, played by J.K. Simmons. It just so happens that Fletcher is the most vulgar, rude, and unfiltered person that anyone could possibly think of. Fletcher begins to train Andrew in the most oppressive and psychologically brutal ways imaginable. This sets the stage for an intellectual boxing match with these two as the heavyweights.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about this film - and there is quite a lot that's impressive about it - is the acting. J.K. Simmons, who I knew as J. Jonah Jameson from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films and the recurring face on the Farmers' Insurance commercials like the rest of the world, gives an unbelievably brilliant performance as Fletcher. He is malicious, terrifying, and darkly hilarious, oftentimes simultaneously. It is probably the best performance I've seen from last year.

Miles Teller is also terrific as Andrew. He disappears into this character, giving as authentic and realistic a performance as I've seen from a 2014 film. While Andrew isn't always the most likable character, Teller is always convincing, finding a perfect blend of confidence and a relatable sense of self-doubt. This is the type of performance that promises him a lot more work in the future. He's starring as Reed Richards in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, so his career is already taking off.

The cinematography and rapid fire editing in Whiplash is exhilarating. There are many times throughout the film when the camera cuts between different shots of Teller playing the drums in such beautiful and visceral fashion. The last 5 minutes of the movie is the best example of Damien Chazelle's keen directorial eye. That finale was some of the most impactful filmmaking I've witnessed in quite some time.


Whiplash brings up a fascinating point about the nature of instruction, and how society deems a gentler form of teaching as the most acceptable approach. Fletcher says that the most harmful words in the English language are "good job". His view is that blind encouragement is what keeps great performers from being produced. Whether or not you agree or disagree with Fletcher's cut-throat style, he brings up a compelling issue, one that I found myself pondering over hours after the movie had ended. I wasn't expecting such thoughtful social commentary from the film.

I have played the drums since I was ten years old, so I very much appreciated the great drumming sequences done by Teller, who had played the drums for years before taking the role. I was impressed with just how skilled he was on the kit. I also thought the portrayal of Teller's character pursuing his goal of being one of the great drummers so intensely was stirring. It was inspiring to see the drive with which he pursued his dream.

This film never seems to miss a beat. The slick and groovy jazz tunes, the gripping drama and psychological warfare between Andrew and Fletcher, the surprisingly hard-hitting direction, the incredible performances. It all culminates into the most shocking, challenging, and effortlessly intense viewing experience I've had in quite some time. This is a fantastic sophomore effort from writer-director Damien Chazelle, and a movie that will stay relevant and be cherished for years to come. This is my favorite of the Best Picture nominees that I've seen so far. I am going to try to see and review the other four by the time of the Oscars towards the end of the month.

A+ 

Special shout-out to my New England Patriots! Super Bowl Champions once again!