REVIEW #140 Whiplash (2014)

Promising drummer Andrew joins a music conservatory to pursue his dream. However he is mentored by Terence Fletcher who has an unconventional approach that pushes his students to their breaking points. This award winning drama is directed by Damien Chazelle.

CAST & THE ACTING 

Miles Teller leads the cast as Andrew and he is supported by JK Simmons, both deliver fantastic performances and display some of the best chemistry I’ve seen from a pair of actors. Tellers performances on the drums is quite unbelievable, I’ve read that he’s played the drums since the age of 15 but took lessons 4 hours a day, 3 days a week to prepare for the role. That dedication perfectly translates on screen because those drum solos are fantastic. JK Simmons won an academy award for best supporting actor and it is absolutely deserved. The way he executed the role of of Terence Fletcher was perfect, from his dialogue delivery to his physical acting in both his facial expressions and composer movements, I am very impressed. There isn’t really anyone else to discuss the film is very much about the relationship between these two characters and the focus is on them.

PLOT & THE STORYLINE 

The synopsis on paper might seem quite uninspired and dull but it’s actually the polar opposite. Whiplash is part musical with huge Jazz instrumentals and then you combine that with the clash between perfectionism with Terence Fletcher and ambition from Andrew. This creates a toxic relationship that worsens as the film goes on but it also inspires greatness, with Andrew’s drumming ability rapidly improving under Fletchers tough love. I think the audience can relate to both characters, we can all think of a time where we have had a teacher or coach who takes the tough love approach, maybe not to the extent of Fletcher but it can certainly still resonate with us. I also want to discuss the ending, I think the film finished perfectly! The musical performance doesn’t only sound amazing but we also see an emotional journey between Andrew and Fletcher, all through facial expressions. Starting that sequence with hatred and resentment and finishing with Fletcher smiling with pride. A fantastic storyline with a fantastic finish!

CINEMATOGRAPHY & SPECIAL EFFECTS 

The scenes are actually kept incredibly intimate, most of the film is set in the music studio keeping the focus heavily on the characters. It almost has its own live musical score because the instrumentals sound incredible and create really nice close ups that emphasise the physical strain of these musicians, they are so chaotic that it makes the sequences exciting. My favourite scene was definitely the finale, the camerawork tells a story all through close ups on facial expressions and instruments. Through the cinematography the director illustrates Andrew and Fletcher’s redemption, without saying a single word. It’s a unique way to tell a story but it worked so well!

OVERALL (9/10)

I have been recommended Whiplash dozens of times and I’m not quite sure why I’ve put it off for so long, I guess the synopsis didn’t really excite me. But the director Damien Chazelle has created an exciting, gripping and emotional film that tells the story in such a unique way. JK Simmons and Miles Teller are absolutely brilliant and I’m so glad Simmons won an Academy Award for his role. It’s hard to actually point out any faults with the film, I guess I know a lot of people that might say it’s boring but for me it’s a perfect example of classic cinema and storytelling. It’s currently on Sky Cinema so please go and watch it if you haven’t already, don’t make my mistake and keep putting it off! 

Thanks for reading.

Callan