Review of Whiplash (2014) by Norm D — 30 May 2017
No, no, no, no, no. There are technical things to appreciate about this movie, but the picture itself is a waste of time. It's hard to believe this made-up nonsense is from the same shedooddlepuckelle as "La La Land.".
As a member of the Board of a major state university with an elite music school, it's often been noted that serious musicians are more competitive & cut-throat than the Penn State Lions or ice skaters wielding bats or some other athletic contenders. But not like this. This cat, the Simmons' character, would be gone in 60-seconds.
It was sad to see how brow-beaten his band members looked at the beginning because of Simmons' maestro cum marine drill sergeant persona. That Simmons won a BS Oscar (Best Supporting) for this very vulgar "performance" must do his real kids proud ... not. The time-rhythm cadence sequences - rushed, dragging, rushed, dragging - were beyond ridiculous and a lot of tumescent carotid fabricated angst.
As a former all-state band & choral club member, what everybody's seeing in this is a mystery. And how this production attracted $$$ backers for "La La Land" informs one just how wicked Hollyweird really is ... & this from one who's generally a Hollywood apologist to the world between the coasts.
Want to see a really good movie about kids competing for the artistic mega-star stratosphere? See "Center Stage." All thumbs up. Skip this.
This review of Whiplash (2014) was written by Norm D on 30 May 2017.
Whiplash has generally received very positive reviews.
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