Whiplash Review

Grade: B+
One-Liner: Not Charlie Parker, but close.

As sinister professor Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) said, "There are no two words in the English language more harmful than 'good job,'" so though Whiplash was an excellent film, I will take some time to pick it apart.

Firstly, I'm not sure why Simmons is considered a shoo-in for the Oscar having won all other major Supporting Actor accolades. While his Fletcher had a commanding presence and kept me captivated, he felt very one-dimensional in comparison with the complexities of Miles Teller's obsessive drummer Andrew.

Not since 2010's Black Swan has there been a film this devoted to dedication to a craft. Andrew puts his blood, sweat, and tears into his drum kit, and Teller's physicality and precision upstages all other performances. There are moments in which his elitist actions seem out of character and confusing, which temporarily brought me out of the story, but just like his quest to keep up with his director's tempo, Teller always successfully brought me back in.

The teacher and his student walked a tightrope of tension, weaving through rhythms, frustrations, and chair throwing that never allowed the audience a moment to breathe. And when the final resolution unravels, you're left with a mixture of triumph, uncertainty, and terror.