Whiplash is a phenomenal film. That's it. That's the review. So, now, you can stop reading, find out if it's playing anywhere near you, get out to a theater and see this movie. It's brilliant. Convinced yet? Go! Get out.
Okay, now that we've gotten rid of the stragglers who are behind on seeing the movie, we can talk about it. How great was Whiplash? What an unexpected surprise being able to watch a movie in January or February that wasn't pure garbage. It is a character driven movie, but it is so well directed that it comes as close to a perfect film as one could ask for, especially around awards season. I especially loved Birdman and Selma, but if Whiplash somehow rose from the darkness to take the Best Picture gold, I would fine with that too. I don't know how many of you felt this way before, but when I saw the trailer for Whiplash months ago, I though it looked like boring indie crap. I really like JK Simmons, but I'm especially adverse to Miles Teller. I've seen the dude in two movies (Project X and 21 and Over) and he seems like an Apatow-reject wannabe. True, I haven't yet seen The Spectacular Now, but I have seen the preview for That Awkward Moment which only solidified my dislike for him as an actor. However, now that I've seen Whiplash, I may have a newfound respect for the kid. What I'm trying to say is that Whiplash is a powerhouse of a film that everyone and anyone should see. It's that good.
Whiplash, for those who aren't privy yet, tells the story of Andrew (Teller) a first year music major at Shaffer Conservatory Music school, the top music school in the country. Terence Fletcher (Simmons), the head of the studio band (the top tier class at the school) discovers Andrew and invites him to sit second chair in his band class, to which Andrew graciously accepts. He's aware that if he succeeds in this class he will be what he aspires to be above anything else: the greatest drummer there ever was. While in Fletcher's class, Andrew, as well as the rest of the students are physically and emotionally abused in order to be pushed beyond their limits as musicians. He slings insults and profanity at the students quicker, wittier, and faster than the Drill Sargent in Full Metal Jacket. He's a mean son-of-a-bitch that truly believes he can make someone the best if he forces them to reach far beyond their grasp... but it's not exactly effective. The rest of the film plays out as a battle of student vs. teacher, good vs. evil... sort of. I won't ruin it for those who have yet to see it, but the end is something magnificent that is truly groundbreaking in film.
It's not exactly a happy film either. No one is happy in it. Andrew strives so hard to be the best that he ostracizes everyone around him. He has no friends, he's lost his girlfriend, and he practices so hard to impress his teacher that he drums his hands bloody every night. His father, played by the very underrated Paul Reiser is a very simple character and works as a foil to Andrew's dream and eventual self-destruction. His father is a simple man who enjoys being a high school teacher and going to the movies every week with his son. He's the simplicity of America that Andrew strives to be above. There's hardly any humanity in Fletcher whatsoever, and even when there are glimmers of humanity in him, you find yourself wondering if they're genuine or not. The film is a discussion on what it takes to be the best at something. Is being the best worth selling your soul to the Devil? Andrew somewhat answers this question.
The true praise of the film goes absolutely to JK Simmons who delivers one of those performances that will stand the test of time. It's a performance that will be remembered and compared to for years to come. He's absolutely brilliant as the menacing Fletcher. He's got a aura of grim reaper surrounding his appearance, the veins in his head burst out during his diatribes, and he could be considered as one of the most devilishly evil characters in film... like Nurse Ratchet evil... it's not as apparent as most movie villains... it's a subtle evil that takes time to flesh out. Miles Teller shows that after a few terrible films, the kid actually has acting chops. You root for him, but you're not entirely sure if you should. You enjoy every scene of Simmons chewing out his students because you're waiting to see what crazy shit will come out of his mouth and at the same time you're terrified of him. He's the perfect balance of subtle and crazy that makes him a very complex and brilliant character, as well as an actor. If he doesn't win the Best Supporting Actor award (which he will) it will be a disservice to film and acting in general.
The movie will be out to rent or purchase in the next couple of weeks. See it as soon as you can because this is one movie that is not to be missed.
A
No comments:
Post a Comment