Review of Whiplash (2014) by Ethan J — 30 May 2017

'WHIPLASH' was directed by Damian Chazelle and stars Miles Teller and Jk Simmons. ?In an attempt to become the next greatest musician, Andrew(Miles Teller) enlists at Shafer Conservatory, a New York music school, where he is brought into a local band where he meets Terrence Fletcher(JK Simmon), a music teacher renowned for his peculiar methods, who pushes him to the edge of his ability, mentality and sanity.

Oh my god this movie is amazing. It's not a simple story of about drumming and some bloke with a pig fetish. It's a deep, heartfelt story about obsession and commitment, and what that can do to a man. Miles Teller delivers a career defining performances as Andrew but is greatly overshadowed by JK Simmons. Simmons take this movie from good to great and elevates it to amazing. Considering this is Chazelle's debut feature; it's a god damn amazing first attempt. If you've not seen this literal masterpiece; please, do yourself a favour and see it.

This story is not just a simple story about music. I hate it when people say that. This is a dark story about how obsession can drastically affect your life. Chazelle has masterfully wrote this harrowing tale and if is his opener; I cannot wait to see his final piece. Combine Chazelle's awesome plot and screenplay with a fantastic climax and a brave, bold ending, and you have a freaking awesome drama that I see debuting a very promising career.

To say that Captain Pig Fetish was anything less than awesome, spectacular and amazing in this movie would be an insult to his wonderful performance. He made this movie his personal pig and took it to town. Without him, I dare say this movie wouldn't be as good as it is and he definitely elevates this movie above everything else. Accompanying Simmons is the amazing Miles Teller, who plays his role of Andrew expertly and is the perfect protagonist for this movie. His more barren, emotionless nature really fits in with the themes of this movie and helps sell them to a tee. The 'chemistry' between Simmons and Teller is one of the best things in history. I adore them in this movie.

This movie is also technically flawless. The cinematography is awesome throughout, especially the climax where the camera moves in line with the music. I think it's an excellent looking movie and definitely proves that Damian Chazelle has promise. Another note is how dark and bleak the colour pallet is for the costumes and sets. This might seem like a bad thing but I personally think it works perfectly in line with the themes in the movie.

I cannot find a major flaw with this movie. Granted, there isn't really such thing as a flawless movie but I cannot find a major flaw that takes you out of the viewing experience. The music is excellent. I mean the acting is spectacular. Perfectly written, spectacularly directed and honestly one of the best dramas made in the past decade. Please watch this movie if you haven't, it's an amazing movie and you will definitely not be disappointed. I'd rate it a 10/10 purely for the pig line alone.