WHIPLASH (R )
Released by Sony Pictures Classics
Review by Adam Mast
What does it take to truly excel at something? Does the ability simply come naturally? Does it take non-stop practicing, day in and day out? Does it require constant pushing and scrutiny at the hands of someone who claims to be the very best at what it is you’re trying to accomplish? Maybe it’s a combination of all of the above. That’s certainly what the gripping, fiercely energetic new movie WHIPLASH suggests.
In WHIPLASH, a stellar Miles Teller (RABBIT HOLE, THE SPECTACULAR NOW) plays a passionate jazz drummer with aspirations of becoming one of the greats. A magnetic (and ripped) J.K. Simmons (JUNO, SPIDER-MAN) is the blowhard asshole of a music instructor who pushes him to his utmost limits.
Teller has been making quite a name for himself as of late and WHIPLASH solidifies his reputation as one of the strongest young actors currently working in the business. As the shy and undeniably ambitious Andrew Neyman, Teller commits 100%, both mentally and physically.
As great as Teller is in WHIPLASH, it’s Simmons who really owns this movie. As the abrasive Terence Fletcher, this terrific actor chews scenery in a role that feels like a masterful fusion of R. Lee Ermey’s terrifying Sgt. Hartman in FULL METAL JACKET and Alec Baldwin’s intimidating Blake in GLENGARRY GELN ROSS. With his insult slinging, obscenity spewing power plays, Fletcher’s methods might come across as unorthodox, but it’s clear that his end goal is to turn beginners with drive into masters of their craft…no matter what the cost. I constantly questioned Fletcher’s methods and motives throughout WHIPLASH, but one thing is certain; I never questioned Simmons’ brilliant, impulsive decisions as an actor. This is a riveting, unapologetic performance. In fact, it might be a career best for Simmons and that’s saying a lot.
WHIPLASH is ultimately a story about what it takes to achieve the success one so desperately craves. In that regard, this film sort of plays like BLACK SWAN with drums. Writer/director Damien Chazelle (who also penned the entertaining Brian DePalma homage, GRAND PIANO) has fashioned a high-energy, adrenalin fueled look at a young man consumed by a relentless drive to be the best of the best. WHIPLASH does tend to get a little dark but the finale of the picture, while bittersweet, emerges as quite the crowd-pleaser. This is one of the year’s best films.
WHIPLASH opens in limited release on October 10th and will expand to more cities shortly after.
