In my quest to see all the Oscar films before the actual event, I half heartedly went to see ‘Whiplash’ with no real expectations. LOVED THIS MOVIE! I found it to be a mesmerizing and unflinchingly intense film that leaves no doubt in my mind that JK Simmons will walk away with the Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor. In fact, JK was so central to the film that I wondered if he shouldn’t have been considered the lead actor. His performance was that powerful and central. While I found many elements over-the-top and heavy handed, there is no denying the emotional intensity and hypnotic effect of this film.
Anyone who has ever gone to the movies, channel surfed on TV, or watched a Farmer’s Insurance commercial will probably recognize JK Simmons even if they don’t know his name. He is one of those consistent character actors who, while respected, never got his due. This film showcases his talent and illustrates a depth that one does not expect from a character actor. The role perfectly fits his penchant for playing cantankerous foils, yet he takes this to a whole different level. His intensity and passion is palpable.
The story centers around an aspiring drummer named Andrew, who enrolls in a highly competitive music conservatory where he dreams of being mentored by Prof Fletcher (JK Simmons), a man who will stop at nothing to push students to their limits and beyond. What starts out as a dream come true when Andrew is noticed by Fletcher quickly becomes a nightmare as Fletcher suddenly and explosively reveals how intense and borderline psychopathic a teacher he is in the classroom. Berating to the point of tears, Fletcher does not let up until he is able to break a student down. He runs his classroom with military precision as everyone averts their eyes from his in fear of being singled out and torn down. Students are granted favored status or cast out on a whim and Fletcher will let nothing go until he feels it has achieved perfection.
Andrew is driven and talented and determined to prove himself worthy. He drives himself to the point of sacrificing all other aspects of his life (including his health) to achieve his dream. While Fletcher’s tirades and megalomania break him down, Andrew pushes that much harder despite the cost to him personally. The camera shots of Fletcher next to Andrew’s face create a tension that are so heightened by the minimalism of the scenes that no amount of CGI or special effects could ever compete. It’s fascinating to watch Andrew’s deterioration even as he flourishes as a musician.
Fletcher is villainous to the point of satire, but his messages ring true in nurturing excellence. As he states “The two most dangerous words in the English language are ‘Good Job’!”, you can sense his devotion to drive and perseverance in the quest for achievement. Settling for “good enough” is not something that Fletcher understands or is interested in. Greatness at all costs.
As I stated earlier, the minimalism of this film is what is so enthralling. This could be done on Broadway as a two man show. The tension (and sometimes fear) is palpable throughout the film. This shows you don’t need big budgets or giant productions to make films that make an impact. I highly recommend this film and anxiously await JK Simmons accepting his Academy Award.
I give this film **** stars
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