Movies have always had the power to inspire great feelings of personal resonance from viewers across the world, making us all laugh, cry, and seethe with rage when crafted with care.
In the case of one 2014 film, fans around the globe have continued to return despite the upsetting subject matter, because the movie is truly perfect down to the writing, casting, performances, and direction. The film in question is 2014’s Whiplash, which is currently available to stream through Amazon Prime Video.
Whiplash Is Hard To Watch
Whiplash began as a short film written and directed by La La Land filmmaker Damien Chazelle, based loosely on his own experience in an incredibly competitive high school jazz band. After premiering the 18-minute short to audiences at the Sundance Film Festival, Chazelle was given the opportunity to expand the project into a feature film. The completed film stars legendary character actor JK Simmons alongside Miles Teller, with a number of real jazz musicians rounding out the ensemble.
A Familiar Experience For Musicians
The plot of Whiplash centers on a young man named Andrew Neiman, who aspires to be the greatest jazz drummer of his time, no matter the personal or financial cost. While practicing his craft, Neiman is approached by Terence Fletcher, the legendary conductor of the Shaffer Conservatory Studio Band, and asked to join as an understudy to the main drummer.
Neiman is thrilled at first but quickly learns that Fletcher is an abusive maniac towards his students, screaming obscenities at the top of his lungs multiple times per session and even tossing the occasional chair at his students’ heads.
The Line Between Genius And Insanity
Over the course of the film, Fletcher plays intense mind games with his students, demanding the absolute best that they can offer, and pushing them to their breaking point at all turns. If you were in college when Whiplash premiered, like I was, then you’re already aware of the repeated refrain “That’s not my f***ing tempo” from Fletcher, which was shouted through the halls and lobbies of college campuses everywhere for years following the release of this film.
As the narrative continues, Neiman submits to Fletcher’s every whim, eventually throwing away his own relationships, scholastic endeavors, and money-making opportunities to obsess freakishly over his drum skills.
The Struggle To Be The Greatest
I won’t spoil the ending of the film, but suffice is to say, things get pretty ugly. While we’d all like to believe that the abuse depicted in Whiplash is absurd to the point of being cartoonish, the truth of the matter is that many music students consider this film to be an unofficial documentary of their own experience.
The film ultimately serves as a meditation on obsession, what it takes to be the greatest of all time in your craft, and the lengths that people will go to survive in a highly competitive field.
Stream Whiplash Today
News
Meghan Markle warning as insider reveals ‘gloves are off’ with rumours of next bombshell
The Sussexes were snubbed from an invite to Balmoral Castle, which may have been the last straw for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The couple may have hit their last straw (Image: Getty) Meghan Markle has been open with struggles of mental…
Prince William and Harry’s feud continues leaving King Charles with a tough decision to make
It appears that Prince William and Harry are no closer to reconciling their bitter feud, despite their father, King Charles, holding onto hope. A well-known royal author has revealed that King Charles is “extremely sad” over the ongoing rift between his sons. As he continues cancer treatment, King Charles is more…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal titles at risk as King convenes Balmoral summit
If Harry were to lose his Prince title that would mean Archie and Lilibet could also lose theirs, but they would be able to use the Dumbarton titles while their parents will be known simply as the Sussexes. Prince Harry and Meghan…
Ultra rare footage of King Charles’ Christening from 1948 showing four generations of the royal family is found at thrift shop for less than £7
A man has revealed how he discovered ultra rare footage of King Charles‘ Christening in a thrift shop – for less than £7. Ronald Baxter Jr, 59, from Charleston, South Carolina, has been collecting since he was 10 years old and…
Kate Middleton ‘made phone call’ to Meghan at King’s request to ‘clear the air’ after Royal racism claims
Kate Middleton contacted Meghan Markle to address racism allegations after Omid Scobie’s book, claims insider. Kate Middleton reportedly contacted Meghan Markle following the explosive allegations of racism levelled against the royal family including her. The Duchess of Sussex had claimed that…
Prince William Just Sported a New Look That Was Previously Discouraged — and Sparked Tension with Prince Harry
The Prince of Wales, who appeared in a new video with Princess Kate, hasn’t been seen with facial hair since 2008 Prince William is experimenting with a new look this summer, one that has been at the center of a hairy…
End of content
No more pages to load