‘Whiplash’ 

By John Lyons

It’s not even March yet, and already I think I’ve found my favourite film of 2015 – ‘Whiplash’.

‘Whiplash’ is this ferocious, raw, visceral experience that’s guaranteed to give audiences a relentless surge of adrenaline.

I would wholeheartedly declare ‘Whiplash’ to be a truly magnificent film, and give a lengthy soliloquy about how amazing it is, without fearing that I’d be over-hyping it. It’s just that damn good.

Ironically, I was only interested in seeing ‘Whiplash’ because it stars Miles Teller, an actor I’ve been keeping my eye on since I saw his spellbinding performance in ‘The Spectacular Now’.

But oddly enough, ‘Whiplash’ is a tough sell on paper. It’s a film about a young drummer trying to achieve greatness in the cut-throat world of classic jazz.

Nobody in their right mind would’ve assumed that this would’ve wound up as an Oscar contender, but wunderkind writer/director Damien Chazelle doesn’t just make it interesting, he’s made it one of the most gripping films that I’ve seen in years.

What’s amazing about Chazelle’s execution of ‘Whiplash’ is that it’s thoroughly and mercilessly paced like a thriller. It’s this wild, caged animal frothing at the mouth.

Harkening back to that old point that Alfred Hitchcock made: It’s more important how the film is made than what the film’s about.

Miles Teller plays Andrew Neiman, a 19-year-old drummer studying music at one of the most prestigious music schools in the country. Andrew aspires to be “one of the greats”, much like his hero Buddy Rich.

Andrew’s drumming catches the eye of Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an infamously ruthless music instructor in the school whose class of jazz musicians have won countless awards, often being cited as the best jazz band in the country.

But Fletcher’s methods are very unorthodox, to say the least. He’s a monstrous bully who thrives on intimidation and prides himself on moulding his students into well-oiled jazz machines through emotional (and sometimes physical) abuse.

And as it happens, the young, ambitious and determined Andrew is the perfect kind of student to be susceptible to Fletcher’s harsh methods…

J.K. Simmons gives a powerhouse performance as Fletcher. Simmons cements himself as a terrifying force of nature straight from the get-go, to the extent that he makes R. Lee Ermey’s role as the Drill Sergeant in ‘Full Metal Jacket’ look like a snivelling little girl by comparison.

Miles Teller’s acting and drumming abilities are phenomenal. The transition he makes from a student motivated by ambition and passion into a student motivated by aggression and obsession is seamless.

This harrowing student-teacher relationship is an exhilarating ride that draws many parallels to the work of Scorsese through it’s frenetic editing style and constant lingering sense of tension.

‘Whiplash’ is to jazz what ‘Black Swan’ is to ballet. Both are films about unhealthy artistic obsession. Both are fuelled by the perpetual quest toward perfection.

And both ask the question: “What are we willing to sacrifice in order to achieve greatness?”

‘Whiplash’ boasts powerful performances, an amazing jazz soundtrack, and mind-blowing drum solos that will pummel you into submission.

Putting it simply, Damien Chazelle’s ‘Whiplash’ is as suspense masterpiece.

This beautifully executed work of art is an exemplary example of impeccable storytelling and character study.

It’s the best film I’ve seen in many, many months. Maybe even a year. Maybe even longer than that.

See ‘Whiplash’ in cinemas while you can. You will definitely not regret it.

10/10

Follow John Lyons on Twitter: @Fireinthelyons