'Whiplash' Is So Good Audiences Are Giving It A Standing Ovation
The young man is aspiring drummer Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) and the imposing figure is Mr. Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), a notoriously harsh but well-respected, world-renowned music teacher at the (fictional) Shaffer Conservatory of Music. We soon learn that Fletcher's harsh dismissal featured in the opening scene was no fluke; it's all a part of his teaching style. As the film progresses, we get an in-depth look at the complicated relationship between the student and his teacher and learn what it takes to become the best at something.
"Whiplash" is a simple and familiar story elevated by two spectacular performances and the sheer energy and immediacy of the film's editing. The camerawork is lively and the way the film is cut to the beat of its own drum (quite literally) essentially screams at the audience that its not to be ignored. The tension between Fletcher and Andrew throughout is expertly handled; we aren't quite sure whether to praise Fletcher's approach or chastise him for it.
By the end credits, you'll want to stand up and cheer, and the packed house I saw it with at Regal Union Square on a Sunday night did just that - almost everyone in the theater stuck around through the end credits to give the film a proper ovation.
Sony Pictures Classics
I've been a huge fan of Miles Teller ever since 20120's "Rabbit Hole" and he completely blew me away in last year's "The Spectacular Now." "Whiplash" gives Teller his best shot at stretching his proverbial muscles yet, and he delivers. His performance as Andrew is everything it needs to be as he toes the line between confidence and total insecurity. His artistic drive shows through, and when Andrew tells his soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend that he must leave her because he wants to be "one of the greats" and she will only slow him down, we believe him. While he certainly gets fed up with Fletcher's methods, it doesn't take him long to realize that Fletcher is only pushing him so hard because he wants him to succeed. It's a brave performance that is the best of his young career, proving that this is just the beginning for Teller.
Early on in the film, Fletcher tells the story of legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker and how Jo Jones once threw a cymbal at his head when he made a mistake, nearly decapitating him. Fletcher's entire demeanor seems to be a direct response to this legend, as he hurls furniture, violently curses and otherwise gets into his student's heads through borderline inappropriate means.
Sony Pictures Classics
The most impressive thing about "Whiplash" is that it takes a story that could have been boring (an exploration of the relationship between mentor and mentee) and makes it one of the most intense, compelling, and visceral experiences of the year. Simmons, Teller and director Damien Chazelle have crafted something special that has to be seen to be believed.
"Whiplash" is now playing in limited release and expands October 17th.
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