Review of Whiplash (2014) by Lucas G — 02 Sep 2016
Does the cultivation of talent require constant verbal abuse, threats & brutal mind games? Whiplash flirts with the idea, as young drummer Andrew (Miles Teller) endures much more than long practice hours & a stifled social life to please his loudly abrasive music teacher & conductor, Mr Fletcher.
J.K. Simmons' performance as this bullying Pygmalion is no doubt the actor's fiercest. Fletcher's face curls into a mask of vindictive cruelty in the face of fear or suffering. He sweats & shouts vindictive rage.
His gym-rat arms fling furniture & instruments. Fletcher tells us that his harsh discipline seeks to find & forge rare talent & devotion. Tellingly, though, he feels he has nothing to apologize for after a hectored former student commits suicide.
Still, humiliated, alone, even bleeding, Andrew returns again & again to prove his talent & dedication to his bullying teacher. Andrew makes doubtful life choices to meet Fletcher on his own terms.
If this is a case for tough love, I missed the love part.
This review of Whiplash (2014) was written by Lucas G on 02 Sep 2016.
Whiplash has generally received very positive reviews.
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