Whiplash: the title refers to a jazz
song. This film has nothing whatsoever to do with a litigation lawyer or
a neck injury. I have two perspectives on this film. First of
all, it is a riveting story about a music teacher, Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), and
his student, Andrew (Miles Teller). The quality of the acting and the
music is outstanding, and J. K. Simmons deserves an Oscar nomination for his
performance. Fletcher and Andrew
are individuals driven to attain perfection. A significant portion
of the movie takes place at the music college (Julliard in all but name) where
Andrew is a freshman jazz drummer and Fletcher is the teacher of an elite jazz
group. In the opening scenes, Andrew appears as a shy teenager,
particularly in his initial interaction with Nicole (Melissa Benoist), a
college student at Fordham who works at a movie theatre. There is a nice
charm to Andrew and Nicole, and Nicole has a wonderful smile. We are
shown, however, the extent of Andrew’s drive for perfection when he walks away
from the relationship. Through an interaction at a family dinner
scene, we also learn he has no social skills. This film is about the
music and what it takes to become a true artist.
A story about what motivated Charley Parker to become a
great jazz artist is told more than once. My alternate perspective stems
from the fact that some of the scenes are difficult to watch. The film
was written and directed by Damien Chazelle. Based on what Chazelle is
presenting, it is a tribute to his skills that, at times during the film, I
became physically uncomfortable due to the intensity of the psychological
violence. Fletcher’s teaching style is tyrannical to the point of being
abusive and, while admiring his talents, he is not a character you like.
The excellent jazz score is by Justin Hurwitz. There is a lot to
appreciate during this 105 minute film and it should receive a number of Oscar
nominations. This film leaves you feeling uncomfortable about the
extent to which ambition should or could control one’s life. Fletcher tells Andrew that the two words to avoid
are “Good Job”; this film presents a viewpoint as to what it takes to go beyond
“Good.”