Movie review — Whiplash

Warning: I’ve tried my best to not give spoilers, but I’m going to warn you in advance for any that I might have missed

Have you ever watched a movie that’s is equally revolting and breathtaking? Ever watched an actor that makes you feel like throwing a punch at him, but also makes you wonder what he’d do next? Well, buckle up because Whiplash has both.

Whiplash is about a love-hate student-teacher relationship, if I were to explain it VERY loosely. It’s about a guy, Andrew who is a drummer, and his band leader Terence Fletcher. The movie follows the evolution of their strange and extremely abusive relationship. For the rest of it, I want you all to watch the movie and get slapped out of your senses. I apologize for my language, but the movie does that to you.

I remember watching Whiplash a couple years back and being confused by it. I didn’t know why anyone would want to go through what Andrew goes through. I thought it was a good movie, but I felt wrong condoning what was happening in it.

However, on re-watching the movie today, I might have to disagree with my younger self. I still believe what happens in the movie is sometimes quite shocking, but it did trigger a dialogue in my head. It made me wonder if a world of “You did well” or “It’s ok kid, better luck next time” would’ve led to the birth of the great artists of today. Was it kind words that coaxed them to their fame, or was it the endless naysayers and abusive mentors who jolted them to the top? Would Andrew have blown us all in the end if Terence had not butchered him through and through?

Well, that’s an endless debate I’m going to engage myself in this week. Which brings me to the next thing I want to rave about — the BRILLIANT acting by Miles Teller and JK Simmons!!! I mean, I’m positive if I ever meet JK Simmons in the future, I’d be so scared I’d never ask him for an autograph. Maybe I might not even have the guts to look at him, that’s how insanely terrifying his demeanor is in the movie. And I have no idea how Miles had the potential to stand up to that and stand out equally well. The two actors are a great duo, and it made me feel like I was watching two soulmates discovering themselves through the movie. I felt weird typing that last sentence; but as I said, the movie is equal parts breathtaking and revolting.

Needless to say, this movie made me want to head right out and buy a drum kit right now. But I had to contain my excitement and settle with writing this review instead. I hope someone reads this review, goes and watches the movie, comes and raves about it with me. Or someone who’s already watched it is reminded of the movie’s craziness and comes to rave about it with me. Then we can all sign up for drumming classes together! ❤