Whiplash- Review

So I've been meaning to watch this movie for so long but only found the time to do so today. Let me just say, I'm so glad that I did get the chance. This movie was directed by Damien Chazelle and features the talents of Miles Teller and J.K Simmons.

Without taking too much away from this film, it follows the life of Andrew Neiman, a first year jazz student who aspires to play like Buddy Rich, a famous American jazz drummer. A well-known conductor who always comes in with a bang, Terrence Fletcher, notices Andrew's ability and gives him a chance to play in his studio band. But this is no cake-walk and Andrew is stretched beyond his means to prove just how far he'll go to achieve his virtuoso dreams.

The performances: I've seen a fair few movies with Miles Teller and for the most part, he impresses me in each different role he takes on. I was particularly impressed with his role of Andrew Neiman and at times, found it so heavily relatable. While I'm no fantastic drummer, I understand what the frustration is like when a note is missed, not played to the "tempo" correctly or when it just seems so unsatisfactory. Miles really captured his role of someone who would do anything to achieve and had me with my hands on my head and teeth clenched watching him do so. By far, this is my favourite Miles Teller film.

J.K Simmons plays the role of Terrence Fletcher, the conductor and bandleader of a studio band and my favourite character out of this entire movie. He literally has no filter and while serious, it is just so comical watching his reactions towards students, twice as young. His acting was so authentic during this movie and not once did he stutter or did his performance falter. I loved watching the character progression as he went from someone who seemed so bi-polar with the treatment of what could have been his favourite student, to someone so unimpressed and coldhearted to finally showing Andrew his true intention, tough love that pays off with achievement. I can't begin to describe just how amazing this characterisation was and I knew as soon as he burst onto the scene and gave the first few seconds of dialogue, that he would appeal to me. And look, he even got an Academy Award out of it, so I wasn't the only one to notice such an astounding performance!

I also couldn't think of any cons with this movie. That probably sounds so strange because every movie has a con, whether it seemingly goes unnoticed or not.

From the title, Whiplash is the song being practiced and performed during this entire film and was composed by Hank Levy. It seems almost fitting too, with drums as the instrument being focussed on.

I just can't even describe my emotions after watching this. I loved the anger, the dedication and sense of relief. I would highly recommend watching this movie, whether music-themed movies are your style or not, just do yourself a favour and watch it.

Score: 10/10

Rating: MA15+