Review of Whiplash (2014) by Rob S — 25 Jul 2015

This was THE BEST film of 2014.

The editing of this film gives it a very fast pace, making it seem as though an hour and forty minutes goes by in just under an hour. It is easy to see why this film won the Oscar for this category.

What I find really brilliant is the use of sound in this film. There are great moments when the diegetic music within the film blends with and transitions into the score of the film. There are also super tense moments highlighted by haunting moments of total silence. As I have said before in other reviews, the lack of an element is just as effective as the element itself. The greatest "silence" in this film is probably at the conclusion of this film when we see the two main characters' sets of eyes as they look at each other, now working together, understanding each other.

The acting is beyond phenomenal. J.K. Simmons, one of the nicest guys in Hollywood is absolutely terrifying, but you also can't help understanding where he comes from when he explains he is trying to get students to recognize their potential. If abuse is what it takes to create the next Charlie Parker, it is justified since you are giving the world the next great artist. As for Miles Teller, his acting apparently fell short of Oscar-worthy. I feel his performance was somewhat underrated, but I do not believe it was his fault - some of the dialogue his character had was a little flat from time to time.

The best aspects of this film happen in scenes that involve music performance, whether it is a rehearsal, a competition, or what will become one of the most iconic endings in Hollywood history. In scenes that examine Teller's character outside of his music performance there are strange and somewhat forced aspects. I nearly roll my eyes at the scene where he talks with his family (I think) about how they should pay more attention to him because it is all about the rivalry between sports and the arts. I like it because it shows how much of a jerk Andrew can be, but it practically force- feeds the audience the idea that the arts are not respected enough. However, I suppose this is realistic dinner conversation, especially the dialogue coming from Andrew.

This is a movie with very few flaws and I give it my highest rating.