When a young and talented jazz drummer is selected by one of music’s great mentors, he begins a journey that will either leave him insane, or insanely brilliant.
by Keeva Stratton
Andrew (Miles Teller) is working hard at a selective east coast music conservatorium when he manages to get noticed by Terrence Fletcher (JK Simmons), an instructor who instils as much fear as he does brilliance in his pupils.
Fletcher pushes Andrew hard, and it’s at times abusive; but to pursue his dream Andrew is willing to do whatever it takes, even if driven to both his physical and mental edge. Andrew’s family, especially his dad, are concerned with the impact his dream is having on his health.
Andrew has isolated himself from his friends, his girlfriend and his family, as he seeks to improve his drumming. Every time he gets better, Fletcher gets harder on him, and it’s inevitable that something has got to give.
Whiplash is a film about the extremes of passion and dedication to an art form. In today’s money-driven and quick-moving world, it’s worth being reminded that true art is a lifestyle, one that will often drive the artist to the brink of madness so that others might be wowed by their performance.
The personal cost of the pursuit of brilliance is beautifully told in Whiplash. Miles Teller has once again demonstrated his maturity and talents as a young actor with a lot to offer audiences. Simmons is unflinching in his portrayal of the demanding mentor, and he is blessed with some of the most cutting yet brilliantly witty lines to deliver.
If a film about a young jazz drummer on the rise doesn’t sound appealing, we think this cleverly written and well-delivered film, that manages to hit many high notes, might just surprise you. Now with an Oscar-award winning movie, it’s worth a sit down just to see J.K Simmons in all his glory.
Directed by: Damien Chazelle
Starring: Miles Teller, JK Simmons, Paul Reiser
Rating: MA15+
Runtime: 107 minutes
Release Date: 23 October
Reviewer rating: 4/5
