Whiplash

Whiplash

 (2014)

A Review by Grant Kanigan

Directed by: Damien Chazelle

Written by: Damien Chazelle

Starring:  Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons,

               Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist

Rating: 14A

Release Date: October 24th 2014 

Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons find the right tempo in Whiplash
© Courtesy of Sundance Institute

     "Don't you think that by pushing people so hard they might get discouraged, and in turn the next Charlie Parker might never be discovered?" Andrew, (Miles Teller), asks his devilish teacher, Mr. Fletcher, (J.K. Simmons). "If they get discouraged, then they're not the next Charlie Parker," is his reply, bookending his comment with his largest blow; "there are no two words in the English language more harmful than 'good job.'" This is the most important scene in the film, and the thesis for it's commentary; through the actions, failures and successes of the teacher and student, the audience is treated to a moral dilemma; which is better, positive or negative reinforcement, and is genius inherent, or learned? 

     Whiplash follows young Andrew, entering his first year at the Juilliard-esque Shaffer Conservatory, the best music school in New York, "and therefore, the world." Quiet and shy, the only true outward strength Andrew shows is his drumming; he's polite and personable to his classmates until it's his turn to shine. His abilities soon land him in Mr. Fletcher's studio band, the highlight band of the entire school, and consequently a huge stepping stone in a career in Jazz. Eager and wide eyed, Fletcher gives Andrew some sage advice on relaxing before playing, how nobody nails it the first time, and to simply enjoy himself. When class starts, however, Andrew discovers Fletcher's dark nature, and his dualistic nature. Driven to simply test the limits of his students, Fletcher's psychological toying and verbal humiliations know no bounds. The teacher knows he might be risking his career and the lives of some of his students, but he doesn't care. With the knowledge that true perfection does not exist, Fletcher nevertheless instills a fear in his students that they are worthless and do not exist if they're not always striving for perfection. 

     A lot of criticism has been heaped upon Whiplash, citing it's portrayal of jazz and musical pedagogy as incorrect. Such criticisms are completely ridiculous and absolutely wrong, (here's looking at you, Richard Brody). Based on his own experiences with music, Damien Chazelle's Whiplash is merely a singular take on learning and playing jazz music. It does say outlandish things, like jazz isn't subversive, which is a backwards take on jazz theory, (the limits and boundaries of jazz are particularly well defined, but there is always room for improvisation and creativity in certain situations - that's what defines mediocre players from the greats), but again, it's one writers viewpoint, and, within the structure of the film, it's a young, impressionable and cocky player whom we're hearing it from. Whiplash is a work of fiction, and a very good one at that. 

     In a film where music takes the centre stage, it's difficult to pull off true musical wonder. Most films have lacklustre original songs, or a putrid reworking of classic songs. Not so with Whiplash. With Whiplash, both Teller and Simmons are thoroughly talented as both actors and musicians, and the choice to cover jazz standards was a wise one. Coming from musical backgrounds, the drive, vitality of music and passion are all thoroughly existent behind Teller and Simmons' performances, and while Teller did have help from some crafty editing and tutoring, his musical performances are spellbinding. It's a wonder as to why Teller didn't get an Oscar nomination for such a well rounded and electric performance. Simmons, as the cruel, megalomaniacal and sociopathic Mr. Fletcher is ferocious, terrifying and spellbinding. Where has this J.K. Simmons been hiding?! Likely the best role in Simmons' long career, his recent Oscar win for Best Supporting actor was well deserved, and was one of the better performances overall in the last decade. 

     With Simmons and Teller front and centre, Chazelle has ample room to work. Relying on a tight script and even tighter performances, the cinematography captures the visceral nature of Jazz, and the anxiety ridden atmosphere of Fletcher's band. Moving back and forth from viewpoint to viewpoint, the camerawork gives the audience a striking verisimilitude that I haven't seen in a musically inclined film in ages. 

     Overall, with a taut, cruel and ethically ambiguous storyline, anchored by two brilliant leads and a whip-smart script, Whiplash is one of the best films of 2014, and arguably the best musically infused film since the turn of the century. Whiplash is a tour de force.

Grant's Rating: 5/5 Stars

   

Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons in Whiplash: "Rushing or Dragging?"