I ended up not being able to watch Whiplash in the cinema like I wanted to (a heck of a lot of months ago). When you're a student, you sometimes have to put off trips to the cinema just for the sake of money. But also, I missed out on the chance to see it when it was Oscar hype season and indeed this is a very late review for you all... yet again. (Whoops).
Sometimes kids, you've got to go it alone and take that dreaded trip to the cinema by yourself.
Surprisingly it was not as upsetting as I thought it could have been, judging by the trailer... but maybe that was because of all the great up tempo jazz and swing. You'd expect the music to be amazing in this... and it is and that's that. Whiplash keeps you on your toes throughout. Plus at one certain point, if you're anything like me, you will jump and then think "You had a sinking feeling that would happen, but you jumped anyway because this film did it right. Okay? OK..."
This review seems to be going nowhere... *sighs for eternity*
This review seems to be going nowhere... *sighs for eternity*
One thing I loved about this film was that even with the occasional mention to big names, my favourite being Buddy Rich, (if you don't know of him, he is single handedly one of the greatest drummers of all time). Damien Chazelle ensured that there was no reoccurring references to big jazz stars. So by this I mean, he could have made the film a glorified homage to great singers and musicians... Frank Sinatra comes to mind here. Basically when watching Whiplash, you're not forced to watch a moaning white boy complain about how his career aspirations are to be the next Sammy Davis Jr.
What you will endure when watching Whiplash is J.K Simmons doing a stellar job of breaking the protagonist's metaphorical balls. It's indeed an eye opener to what could go on behind the doors of prestigious music colleges in America. The best part about this film is watching an underdog rise above his surroundings powered by hope, to only be shot down again and again in a somewhat amusing fashion... because sometimes life really is like that for the underdogs all the time.
With a slightly smaller cast than what could have been, the focus is truly upon Miles Teller trying not to cry or have a mental breakdown constantly, and J.K Simmons making sure Miles will eventually break. When I mention the somewhat humorous aspect, I'm referring to the ending where the teacher well and truly pushes his then past pupil under the bus. You'll know what I mean when you see it, and by this I don't mean it concerns an actual bus.
However, the underlining message remains that this protagonist - Andrew, was subject to torment, bullying and abuse from his Jazz teacher - Fletcher. Even though I confess that Whiplash has its amusing traits... the long in the short of it is that this film does make you somewhat uncomfortable for the long haul. However I promise you that this is a very intriguing film.
What you will endure when watching Whiplash is J.K Simmons doing a stellar job of breaking the protagonist's metaphorical balls. It's indeed an eye opener to what could go on behind the doors of prestigious music colleges in America. The best part about this film is watching an underdog rise above his surroundings powered by hope, to only be shot down again and again in a somewhat amusing fashion... because sometimes life really is like that for the underdogs all the time.
With a slightly smaller cast than what could have been, the focus is truly upon Miles Teller trying not to cry or have a mental breakdown constantly, and J.K Simmons making sure Miles will eventually break. When I mention the somewhat humorous aspect, I'm referring to the ending where the teacher well and truly pushes his then past pupil under the bus. You'll know what I mean when you see it, and by this I don't mean it concerns an actual bus.
However, the underlining message remains that this protagonist - Andrew, was subject to torment, bullying and abuse from his Jazz teacher - Fletcher. Even though I confess that Whiplash has its amusing traits... the long in the short of it is that this film does make you somewhat uncomfortable for the long haul. However I promise you that this is a very intriguing film.
In conclusion, I would just say that you should at least watch it illegally now that I've provided you with a very very delayed review. The bottom line is that Whiplash is an entertaining piece of art, with a darker message of just how far artists can push their students. I suggest you see this film before you hit up YouTube for its soundtrack and end your minimal interest in this film.
I apologise for what may seem a rather unstable and thrown together piece of writing. My time has been spent unwisely lately since Kimmy Schmidt came out on Netflix... yes I am ashamed of myself, but do I regret it?
NAH SON.
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