Whiplash: Review

Go and see this movie. Right now. I say this, because I don't imagine many people will, especially with action extravaganzas like Taken 3 currently being in cinemas. But if you happen to choose Liam Neeson's latest shoot-em-up instead of this incredible movie, you will be doing yourself an immense disservice. 

We've all dreamed of being the very best at something, haven't we? In Whiplash, Andrew (Miles Teller) wants to be great. Not just 'great', mind you, but one of the Greats. Andrew's chosen profession is drumming, and he will play and play until blood oozes from his hands and scars form, just so that he can be the very best. One day while turning the note pages for a sub-par peer, Andrew's talent is recognised by the frighteningly intense Fletcher - the infamously aggressive conductor of New York's best jazz students. From here onwards, Andrew is subjected to Fletcher's frankly murderous tendencies, and always appears mere moments away from snapping. 

Andrew (Miles Teller)

It should come as no surprise that Whiplash is an intense movie. What may surprise you, however, is that it is possibly one of the most intense, edge-of-your-seat, thrilling films I've ever seen. And that's coming from somebody who has lacked the musical ability to play an instrument for the entirety of his life. The film instantly makes you fascinated by the talent that goes into becoming a legendary musician, and leaves you wanting to perfect at least one thing in your life. Littered with mesmerising pieces of jazz music, Whiplash is also a joy to simply listen to, even if this music is split up with terrifying screams and insults from the mouth of Fletcher. 

The character of Fletcher is immediately comparable to Full Metal Jacket's Sgt. Hartman. Vicious, toxic obscenities come from him for much of the movie, and at times it's so excessive that it borders on being darkly comical. But gradually, things drift very far from humorous, and soon you're fearing for Andrew's very life. He doesn't seem to care though, as it's soon very apparent that Andrew's willing to give up literally everything in pursuit of his seemingly unreachable goal. Of course, once you give up everything, you're left with very little indeed. 

Fletcher (J.K Simmons)

I cannot think of a single thing which detracted from the movie. The music throughout was immersive, the acting was phenomenal (and has earned J.K Simmons an Oscar nomination), and the directing and cinematography were always suitably fast-paced and in time with the music...it's just an incredible movie. The only way in which you may not find this film extraordinary, is if you absolutely hate the drums as an instrument. That's it. 

Verdict
Whiplash is an incredible achievement: it manages to tell a spectacular story about drums which will appeal to people, like myself, who have never picked up a pair of drumsticks. But it isn't just about drumming, it's also about the pursuit of perfection, and what somebody might go through to in order to try and achieve this. By the time the credits roll, you'll probably forget how long you've been holding your breath, and let out a final sigh before taking in everything you've just seen. 

"There are no two words more harmful in the

English language than 'good job'"