Whiplash tells the story of an ambitious young jazz drummer, Neiman (Miles Teller), who attends the exclusive and fictional Shaffer Conservatory in New York. Neiman idolises Buddy Rich and has grand aspirations which begin to become actualised when he catches the eye of jazz instructor, Fletcher (JK Simmons). Fletcher is a vicious, ruthless and manipulative band leader who justifies his abusive behaviour with the belief that he has to push his students in order to create the next jazz master.
Teller and Simmons deliver masterful performances. Everything about this film is delivered with utter perfection, and more often than not it feels like a psychological thriller or horror film than one about music. Apparently and not surprisingly, film schools use Whiplash as an example of how to skillfully edit to film. I implore you to see this film if you haven’t; it will definitely have a lasting effect.
Rating: 10 out of 10 Stars
