Everyone has a dream right? However, the trouble with most of our dreams is that we aren't willing to sacrifice our regular lives to be great. In Whiplash, Miles Teller plays Andrew, a young man attending a prestigious music school in New York. Andrew plays the drums in the competition band where he is constantly challenged by his teacher. Thatcher, played by J.K. Simmons, has a knack for degrading his students to the point of cruelty. Andrew's only wish is to be one of the best ever, but to do that he must push himself like never before and hope it's enough.
This film may be about a student at odds with his teacher, but it is the classic heroes journey. Teller's character doesn't take a ring across Middle Earth or save the galaxy from Darth Vader, but Andrew grows throughout the film and learns several life lessons before it's done. He is a loner who alienates those around him; from his girlfriend to his father. He doesn't want anyone getting in the way of his greatness.
This is by far Teller's best performance I've ever seen. He's always been good with the quick and witty dialogue, but it's his emotional range here that helps push the story through. When Andrew hits his lowest point in the film I had to bow my head and look away because I didn't want to see him fail.
Meanwhile, Simmons gives an equally stunning performance as the Andrew's nemesis. Simmons plays the part so well that I just couldn't hate him. I could never quite tell if he was a genuine nice guy who threw fits of rage, or a just a genuine jackass; even in the end. I see a supporting role nomination of some kind for Simmons with this film. At least I hope.
Of course, there would be no movie without the music. This film is loaded with classic jazz music. Damien Chazelle, who directed and wrote the film, shows Andrew's love and drive to be a better drummer by surrounding the character with posters, Cd's, and everything you can think of related to his life-long passion.
Whiplash boils down to the performances of Teller and Simmons, who both light up the screen. Even an appearance by Paul Reiser as Andrew's dad was barely a blimp next to the other two actors. The dynamic between them is so interesting. Andrew hates Thatcher but wants his approval. Thatcher hates Andrew but wants him to be great, thereby validating himself. I could examine it all day.
I really don't have anything to criticize this film about except for one scene. Andrew and his dad are having dinner with a family and Andrew is ridiculing the two brothers about their mediocre accomplishments. While it's of my favorite scenes in the movie I have no idea who this family is. Are they relatives, friends, or acquaintances? I feel like there is a deleted scene somewhere that tells me.
Overall, I could not have enjoyed this film more. I think it speaks to everyone on some level about what we are willing to do to achieve our dreams, and how to overcome the obstacles that stand in out way. I'm crossing my fingers Whiplash gets some Oscar recognition. I'm already trying to memorize that major burn Thatcher lays down in the film. Now I can't wait to see Teller play Mr. Fantastic next year!
Rating: A
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