Whiplash (2014)

2014 R 107 Minutes

Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity.

Overall Rating

9 / 10

Verdict: Great

SceneItReviews
10 / 10
2014 was one of the most competitive years in terms of movies in my opinion. Films like Boyhood, Nightcrawler, Foxcatcher, Birdman, Captain America the Winter soldier and Guardians of the galaxy were all films that were in the running for #1 of the year, but all managed to fall at the feet of this masterful character study about dedication and pure, intense passion. Whiplash was loosely based on Damien Chazelle's experiences, and it shows, as his acute sense of direction allowed for the performances not to feel contrived or gimmicky, but rather fierce, commanding and undoubtedly realistic. If it wasn't already self-explanatory, the music in the film is phenomenal. From just the drums, to the whole orchestra, the music fits the tension presented in the situations at hand, and permits itself to be a character in its own right. The story itself is one we don't get to see on screen often, and the fresh aspects of the storytelling provide for serious intrigue, and genuine curiousity. The whole film is a warning to people who get in over their heads, and become narcissists; a topic that is essential for every Hollywood aspirant to be privy to, and clearly Damien Chazelle was the only one fit to tell it.

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