Review of Whiplash (2014) by Olli H — 30 Jun 2015
Music films, good ones of that, are a rare breed. There was a time music films were just some popstars trying to make it to the big screen and failing miserably but through the years some real gems are found. "Crossroads" (1986) and "Inside Llewyn Davis" (2013) are few that has stuck in my mind and now "Whiplash" joins them.
The story is about a young drummer Andrew (Miles Teller) who gets his chance to shine when he is selected to his music school's top jazz ensemble band. The band is conducted by respected and feared Terence Flecther (J.K. Simmmons) whose methods are abusive and violent...
The movie thrives through with it's great music scenes but most importantly by it's amazing actors. J.K. Simmons was a phenomenon, a devil as a teacher but an normal mortal elsewhere and his balance playing these mind sets was perfect. You really didn't know what he would do next. Miler Teller was also good and he plays the obsessive drummer with style and class...and blisters and bloody fingers.
Overall, this was a story of battle of wills but it also was a story of obsession, the very bad kind and the desperate ache of approval. And of course, it was about music, the last 20 or so minutes were pure movie music magic.
This review of Whiplash (2014) was written by Olli H on 30 Jun 2015.
Whiplash has generally received very positive reviews.
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