WHIPLASH (2015)

 

Genre: Drama
Running Length: 1:46
Cast: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser
Director: Damien Chazelle
Screenplay: Damien Chazelle

"There are no two words in the English language more harmful than 'good job'."
 
This is not Dead Poets Society. Although the end goal is to unleash one's potential, WHIPLASH ups the mentor/student relationship; not in an encouraging and nurturing way but in an uncompromising and at times, brutal way. This movie plays out like a sports drama complete with all the ups and downs and triumphs and disappointments. Both Teller and Simmons deserve full recognition here with the latter deserving his best supporting actor nod. The dynamics between them are electrifying albeit in an unhealthy way. Simmons plays the Machiavellian (manipulative, bullying, drill sergeant, goal obsessed) music teacher while Teller's the ambitious but naïve drummer. I was on the edge of my seat almost the entire movie (and there's not even a single car chase or shootout scene!). Usually for such a genre, it's pretty predictable ie. the underdog feel good story, so I was expecting to just sit back enjoy. But boy was I wrong. Whiplash doesn't play out like how I anticipated it for it demands 100% active participation and by the time the 3rd act finishes, I was literally left breathless. This is an extraordinary high energy film and it demands to be watched. 

Rating: 9/10