Review of Whiplash (2014) by Stako — 10 Jan 2015

Often I've pondered weather a film (as a visual telling of peculiar a set of events) has to contain a metaphorically significant and deep story to be considered truly good, or to be simply beautifully represented, in all the ways cinema can offer, is enough. In time, I began to realize that it depends on a series of factors, which in turn depend on another series of factors... and ultimately - the answer was no. But from this night onward, if I ever find myself in doubt again, I will certainly reach out to "Whiplash" to remind me that the answer is indeed no.

Not often does fate grant me the privilege of experiencing a movie that I want to watch again immediately after I've watched it the first time. Such was the case with "Whiplash".

The biggest surprise to me in this movie is the work done by Damien Chazelle (who has a rather unexceptional track record up until now), a name I even wrote down to remember, in hopes that he can maintain producing such wonderful works. Other than directing, cinematography has been superbly executed to it's fullest. Hence - my introduction; "Whiplash" does not offer a particularly deep or meaningful story, but it is a story very well told, very firmly blended with the craft of film making. This is the main reason "Whiplash" instantly became one of my all-time favorite movies - it is beautiful in it's simplicity of story, without sacrificing narrative.

Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons show off astounding acting and chemistry. Never have I though that a movie with a concept such as this can be so breathtaking and intense (often enough at the same time).

Everything about Whiplash beyond this point cannot be expressed by words. If the concept of "A Boy Is Learning To Play Hardcore Drums" is not intriguing to you, still you must give this a chance, because it's about that, but it manages to be so much more (as a film) within that. It establishes it's borders and finds freedom within. And that freedom is beautiful.

This is 2014's best flick and I recommend it to everyone and anyone interested in good, quality cinema and acting.