100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 6: Whiplash

Director: Damien Chazelle

Genre: Drama/ Music

Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2014

Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist, Austin Stowell, Nate Lang, Chris Mulkey, Damon Gupton, Max Kasch, Suanne Spoke, Charlie Ian, Jayson Blair, Kofi Siriboe, Kavita Patil, C.J. Vana

Description: Promising young drummer Andrew (Mile Teller) enrolls at a cutthroat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor (J.K. Simmons) who will stop at nothing to realize a student's potential.

Review: Musicians will always fascinate us. There a many biopics about famous musicians, but the rough way to the top is seldom showed. Director Damien Chazelle wrote a script about this. It was well received as a short film, so he got the permission to make it into a full length movie.

The prestigious Shaffer Conservatory in New York is the start for many great musicians. Young Andrew Neyman practices every day and night on his drums to be a part of it. During one of his session, the infamous teacher Terence Fletcher spots him. He invites Andrew to play in his exclusive band, as an alternate drummer. Quickly Andrew learns that Fletcher has a unorthodox teaching method and he will stop at nothing to realize a student’s potential.

The intense atmosphere makes “Whiplash” a wonderful movie experience. A well written script gives the lead actors the chance to show their qualities, and both take it home. J.K. Simmons is truly brilliant as Fletcher. It’s hard to see an actor. I seldom saw such an awfull person in a movie, that was so mean and harsh. He terrified me. Miles Teller confirms why he is a rising star.

“Whiplash” is one of the best movies about music. The discipline that is needed to make it in this business. even if you’re not a music fan, it’s a great joy to watch this psychological game that is played. Damien Chazelle delivered a new classic.

Rating: 5/ 5