WHIPLASH - Movie Review

 Title: Whiplash
Running Time: 107 min
Director: Damien Chazelle
Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist

Review:
Just a week ago, the "Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences" honored the best of the best in the film industry once again. One of their little golden statues went to J.K. Simmons, who gave one of the sweetest acceptance speeches by saying that everyone should call their parents and tell them they love them. Ironically so, the reason he recieved the Oscar that night was his portrayal of what IMDB describes as "a ferocious, bullying music teacher" who pushes his students beyond their limits to realize their full potential, or so he claims.

In any case, the film "Whiplash" has realized its potential by all means. It is a supremely riveting and endlessly thrilling movie that will leave you in awe once the end-credits roll. For a start, there is Miles Teller. He plays Andrew, who is a rather quiet guy, but once he holds sticks in his hands the instrument becomes his way of expression. Impressively so, Teller did all of the drumming himself. He sweats, he screams and he bleeds on the drumset, and when his final performance starts it really feels as if he puts his whole life on the line. But the stakes wouldn't nearly seem as high if it wasn't for J.K. Simmons' cruel and spine-tingling Terence Fletcher, whom he plays to perfection. Everyone knows the kind of shame and tension that you feel when you are chewed out by a mad authority figure in front of everyone, and thus, you can completely comprehend what is going on in Andrews mind when his band teacher torments him. But Fletcher goes even beyond that, and so eventhough music is featured prominently (and performed awesomely) in this picture, it isn't a music film a là last year's "Begin Again" at all. Instead, it is a psychological thriller, that shows how far people go for artistry. Because our main character also has his reason's why he endures such suffering.

All the drama, the emotions and the tension in this film are beautifully directed by Damien Chazelle, whose various shots, angles, and edits are almost like a composion on their own. Every frame seems to serve a purpose, and most of the time it is to get you inside of Andrews head or amplify the already amazing chemistry between Simmons and Teller. 

To sum up, I can honestly say that "Whiplash" deserved all the Academy Awards it got and maybe even a few more (Best Adapted Screenplay, anyone?). It is a cinematic experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat at all times. You don't want to be missing this one!

For Fans Of:
Black Swan (2010)
Birdman (2014)
Grand Piano (2013)
Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Click Here To Watch Trailer!

And check out my friend's review over at B.A.'s Screentest for a second opinion!