A talented young jazz drummer experiences a trial by fire when he's recruited by a ferocious instructor whose unyielding search for perfection may lead to his undoing. For as far back as Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) can remember, he's been watching his father fail. Determined to make a name for himself no matter what it takes, Andrew enrolls in a prestigious east coast music conservatory where his talent quickly catches the attention of Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an esteemed music teacher who's notorious for his caustic approach in the classroom. The leader of the school's top jazz ensemble, Fletcher promptly transfers Neyman into his band giving the ambitious young drummer a shot at true greatness. He may achieve it if Fletcher's methods don't drive him to madness first.
My Thoughts:
This one was a big disappointment for me. I had high hopes for it, but it didn't meet them at all. Perhaps if I had been a part of a band or gone through the rigors of learning how to play an instrument (or any skill) at a professional level, I would have had more interest or understood the film in a different way. But from where I sat, it was just an hour and a half of pure abuse and torture. Nothing at all was appealing to me about how it ended or perhaps any lessons learned because to be honest I don't believe anyone learned anything. An abusive man continued to be abusive not only in spite of being called on the carpet for his behavior, but quite honestly right in the face of it. I didn't get it. I didn't like it. I wouldn't recommend it. However, I can see how J.K. Simmons was nominated for supporting actor. He played his role with perfection. His superb performance may have been the only redeeming aspect of this film for me.
Other Nominations:
Supporting Actor (J.K. Simmons)
Film Editing
Sound Mixing
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Did you see Whiplash? What did you think?
Andrea :)
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