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Directed By: Damien Chazelle
Streaming Service: Google Play, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Netflix
Currently Playing In: Cinemarks from 9-20 to 9-22. You can purchase tickets at:
Release Date: September 20, 2014
Rating: R
Duration: 1 hour 46 minutes
Description: Andrew Neiman is a 19-year-old jazz drummer, dreaming of greatness but unsure if his dream will ever come true. Haunted by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew is determined to rise to the top of the country's most elite music conservatory. One night, Terence Fletcher, a conductor equally known for his talent for teaching as he is for the terrifying method of his instruction, discovers Andrew practicing the drums. Even though Fletcher says very little to him that night, he ignites in Andrew a passion to achieve his goal. To Andrew's surprise, the next day, Fletcher requests that he be transferred into his band. This single act changes the young man's life forever.
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7kZy3T6vRM
Can't you believe that 2014 was 10 years ago? I was literally there. It feels like it was maybe 6 years ago.
Regardless, Damien Chazelle's Academy Award winning film Whiplash is turning 10 years old! To celebrate Cinemark's across the United States are rerunning it for one weekend only!
I went to go watch it myself in theaters on Friday night, and the experience was absolutely bone chilling. For a film about music, the theater is the perfect place to watch it. Audiophiles will appreciate the intricate sound systems that allow for a truly audio-centered experience.
This was the first time I have actually seen this movie. I knew what happened in it, so I never really got around to sitting down and watching it. Despite having a vague idea, nothing could have prepared me for the psychological damage that would be inflicted upon me.
J.K. Simmons' character of Fletcher really captured the essence of a violent mentor. Each scene with him was tense and terrifying - even in the moments when he seemed to come off as a "good person".
Fletcher reminded me of the horrible bosses and teachers I have had in my life, and it really made me reflect on what it means to be a mentee. None of these aforementioned people reached throwing drum kits at me level, but definitely instilled the same level of dread.
On the drive home I really thought about what it took to truly become a "great". In Fletcher's mind, that unfortunately includes verbal, physical, and psychological abuse but did it not push Miles Teller's character - Andrew - to the point of becoming a true jazz musician?
Sure, it did but I do not think that is the best method.
As an artist myself, I understand what it really means to reach that point of frustration when it comes to mastering one's craft but, I think it really is up to the individual to decide what it takes to really set them over the edge.
That's enough rambling.
I cannot recommend the movie enough, especially seeing it in theaters.
I give this movie a 9/10. I would give it a 10 but it was not quite my tempo.
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