A promising drummer enrolls in one of the top music schools
in the country, where he is mentored by a psychotic conductor. DRAMA
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Whiplash (2014)Written and Directed by Damien Chazelle
Starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist, Austin Stowell, Nate Lang Oscar Wins - Best Supporting Actor (J.K. Simmons), Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing Oscar Nominations - Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay |
Whiplash is a highly compelling and entertaining story about how far one is willing to go to realize their potential. It gives you some insight into the cutthroat world of music, and the teachers whose sole purpose in life is to unleash the music within.
J.K. Simmons gave the performance of his career as the psychotic teacher Terence Fletcher, whose verbal abuse is the driving force behind Miles Teller's ambition to be the very best. Every scene with the two of them gave me chills, as they were unpredictable and volatile. I have high hopes for Whiplash come awards season and there is no doubt in my mind that J.K. Simmons will win his first Oscar for this incredible performance. With a great representation of the jazz world and an amazing soundtrack, it's not hard to see why this film will be recognized as a modern classic. |
Whiplash is a very engaging film that explores how far one is willing to go to pursue their dreams. It also shows how far some teachers are willing to go to push the absolute best out of their students. Whiplash is a dark look into the competitive world of music, anchored by outstanding performances from Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons. The latter of whom, for fans of the Spider-Man films, will never be looked at the same way again.
Miles Teller gives his best performance to date as a young jazz drummer who aspires to be one of the best. He gives it his all, as you see his character become more obsessed with his goal. Thus, in turn, causing him to become reckless and lose sight of everyone else in his life. Teller definitely has a bright future ahead of him after the performance he gives here. J.K. Simmons blows it out of the water with his role as Terence Fletcher, a music teacher who resorts to downright abusive methods to get the best out of his students. Simmons is absolutely terrifying as he throws, yells, and beats his students until they match his tempo. Every scene with him and Teller in it was tense to watch, as you never knew what could possibly happen next. Whiplash is a fantastic movie that explores what it means to fully commit yourself, body and soul, to something you're passionate about. It could also be a great warning sign to not turn your dream into an obsession. This theme is backed up by the incredible performances from the two leads. Teller is a young, naive kid with a dream. Simmons is terrifying as the abusive teacher. An excellent film that I would recommend to anyone. |