Whiplash

Could it be? COULD IT BE?!-- a film NOT based on a true story? Nah, it couldn't be-- but it is! Don't get me wrong, I love films based on real events/people as much as the next person, but when I decided to go see "Whiplash", I was super ready for some pure entertaining fiction. Now, this film was released a bit ago, but I truly wanted to see it, if for no other reason, than the cat and mouse concept it houses.

Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Jim (Paul Reiser), Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor equally known of his teaching talents as for his tyrannical methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man's life. Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability-- and his sanity. Who is the most controlling and with this, which one will give in first?

Others to round out the cast are Melissa Benoist as Nicole, Austin Stowell as Ryan, a fellow drummer, Nate Lang as Tanner, another fellow drummer, Damon Gupton as Mr. Kramer, Chris Mulkey as Uncle Frank, Suanne Spoke as Aunt Emma, Charlie Ian as Dustin, Jayson Blair as Travis and C.J. Vana as Metz.

This was written and directed with such precision and complexity by a relative newcomer, Damien Chazelle ("Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench" '09, "Grand Piano" (written only) '13). This has got to be one of the best 'cat and mouse' films I have seen to date. Even though it seems like young Andrew is being mentally abused, and he was, there comes a place where the tables are reversed. So it basically comes down to: who's the good guy and who's the bad guy? I found my self routing for Andrew and booing Fletcher, then slowly I am forced to reassess my beliefs and then end up changing my mind. Is Fletcher tyrannical because he's trying to push Andrew, because Fletcher does see potential greatness, or is just being a controlling, insecure prick? Is Andrew really sincere, or does he not care who he hurts to become the great drummer he's attaining to be? All good and interesting questions. Both Simmons and Teller shine in this--some of the best work they've done, however, at the end of the day, it's actually Chazelle who deserves a good deal of credit where credit is due.

Truly, one has got to be in the mood to see this, because by films' end it simply drains you, but if you're looking to find a movie that challenges your mind processes, look no further-- this is the film for you.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                           Rated: R                                 107mins.