Review of Whiplash (2014) by Ray S — 09 Aug 2015

This movie is a ride of intensity. What great performances! This film offers a masterful illustration of how true passion manifests. No doubt there are moments that are quite disturbing, but at the same time, if we're honest, we all know that feeling of obsession with something or someone.

These characters are certainly flawed and no one really understands them. But this teacher and student ultimately do come to understand each other. In the process, they push each other from the edges of their respective careers and lives -- to a place of mutual admiration and realization of dreams comes true. The journey to get to that point is painful to watch but equally and impressively astonishing.

Sometimes you really hate what these characters are doing to each other and themselves. However, I feel this movie shined a light on what can be the mysterious psyche and passion of a committed artist. This insight opened my eyes to the full emotional range and potential of the human spirit. And that the madness of an artist can have a home in the right hands and place.