Still perhaps the best film released in the UK in 2015, Whiplash is a lean, exquisitely performed take on one young man's desire to succeed in the world of jazz drumming. Written and directed by young filmmaker Damien Chazelle, the film showcases the desperate lengths to which its protagonist is willing to go in order to impress his tyrannical instructor and cement himself as a true creative voice. Miles Teller plays Andrew, who has one of his drum practice sessions interrupted by JK Simmons' Fletcher. Fletcher invites Andrew into his prestigious jazz band and promptly shocks him with his aggressive methods for getting the best out of his band. Desperate to earn the approval of Fletcher, who is like Simon Cowell meets Hartman from Full Metal Jacket, Andrew repeatedly pushes himself to the brink of insanity in order to perfect his drumming ability. Whiplash is a damning portrait of how the desire for greatness and renown can destroy a young, raw talent. By the time Andrew performs his final masterpiece at the film's climax, he has cut ties with just about every human being in his life and has sacrificed every other aspect of his existence in order to be an excellent drummer. Andrew seems content at the climax of the film, having achieved his professional goals, but the desire for fame and success has eroded his humanity to the extent that all he can see is his drumstick.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
