Think a movie about music couldn’t possibly keep you on the edge of your seat, gasping for breath by its final frame? Hoo boy. You have no idea what you're in for. Whiplash is an absolute powerhouse of a film. It’ll keep you riveted from beginning to end. By its masterful conclusion, you’ll feel like you might drop from exhaustion in the best way possible.
Andrew Nieman (Miles Teller) has a major passion for drumming and jazz. He attends Shaffer Conservatory in New York, the finest music school in the entire country, and spends every waking moment dreaming of being 'one of the greats,' like his hero Buddy Rich. His dreams are put to the test when he meets one of the institution's most infamous conductors Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), who recruits Andrew as an alternate drummer for his Studio Band. Fletcher is determined to bring out the best in his students, by any means necessary. And I mean by any means necessary. No matter what kind of physical and mental turmoil he inflicts, Fletcher’s convinced he’s working towards achieving a greater good. Andrew is caught directly in his spotlight and the two engage in a psychological battle of the ages that will leave Andrew bruised and battered both physically and emotionally. You’ll feel exactly the same way by the time the end credits roll.
Whiplash’s plot is simple and it hits a lot of familiar beats (did you see what I did there? Beats. Like it’s a…never mind), but presents them in such a fresh and compelling way that you’ll never know exactly what’s going to happen. It's a drama in the guise of a thriller and its levels of intensity rival those of even the most suspenseful films. Writer/Director Damien Chazelle, still in his twenties, already exhibits a mastery of his craft that most seasoned directors can’t even lay claim to. Every frame bursts with energy, some of which boils beneath the surface before unleashing its full fury.
As great as Chazelle’s work is, what carries this film off into the stratosphere is the talent in front of the camera. Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons give two of the most enthralling performances of their careers. Teller is one of this generation’s finest young actors and he continues to show his diversity as a performer. I’m amazed he’s been so ignored this awards season; this is one of 2014’s best performances, hands down. Of course, as we’re all well aware, J.K. Simmons is the guy to beat for the Best Supporting Actor category and now that I’ve finally seen Whiplash there’s no question as to why that's the case. Simmons is one of the decade's best on-screen villains thus far. I was so on edge every time he was on screen and I loved every moment of it. It’s a stunning performance and I’m so thrilled Simmons is finally getting his due. (Hey, there's a reason Sony's reluctant to include J. Jonah Jameson in their abysmal Amazing Spider-Man franchise - they know they'll never top Mr. Simmons, and rightfully so)
Whiplash is mesmerizing, hypnotizing, thrilling, funny, painful, and totally exhilarating. Really, I can't come up with enough adjectives to describe how great it is. It deserves every bit of the praise and attention it’s getting this awards season and even more so. It's easily earned its place amongst my favorite films of 2014, which is just about the highest honor any movie can receive, and I can’t wait to see what Chazelle does next. Whiplash is back in select theaters to get a quick Box Office boost from its recent Oscar nominations. Get out there and see it as soon as you can!
FINAL RATING: 5/5
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