Whiplash (2012)
TLDR: On multiple levels Whiplash is a brilliant film. A dual character study. An ode to jazz music supremacy. And a cautionary (or inspiring?) tale of what it takes to become the world's greatest. In an instant, Whiplash cements Damien Chazelle as one of today's youngest and most talented filmmakers brimming with artistry, intensity and craftsmanship. This is not one to miss.
It was surprising that the first time I saw Whiplash, I left the theatre with a slightly nauseous feeling in my gut. Not because of the film itself - its visuals or audio per se - there is nothing to criticize about its radiance. It was in its simple yet utterly-effective and haunting discussion of what it takes to become the greatest in one's field that left me feeling torn and conflicted. While most of the film seems to be a cautionary or reprimanding tale of jazz instructor Fletcher's (JK Simmons) brutal methods of 'mentorship', its ending posits perhaps an equally strong counter-argument to what one assumes was the point of the film. What the audience (or at least, I) was left with was an immensely difficult supposition to think and deliberate on. On its own, that fact elevates Whiplash for me above many, many other films whose sole tasks are to entertain and simply make you forget for 90-120ish minutes. Almost every person alive can relate in some way to the idea of bettering yourself in one way or another, be it something in the arts or a craft or skill even becoming a better worker or employee. And that such a profound philosophical argument and discussion about what it takes to actually become the best can form out of a film's whose plot and pieces are really not that narratively complex is something to be highly lauded to say the least.
Then, there are the additional facts that the film is cemented by two astounding performances - Miles Teller and Simmons, the latter who won an Oscar for the film - as well as supremely exceptional directing, editing and musical composition makes this film one of the best of its decade. It is no secret that Chazelle and his musical collaborator Justin Hurwitz have some fondness for jazz music. However, thanks to Chazelle's innovative and dynamic camera work and editing, jazz music has honestly never felt so alive on the silver screen (notably, that year's Birdman also beat to a great jazz score).
Whiplash has the power to be many things to many different people. It operates as a taught and intense thriller, a tribute to jazz and musical upbringing, and it is also a compelling and oft-difficult discussion on what is required (and what must be lost) to become the best. It is an astounding piece of cinema and an early showing of the brilliance of director/writer Damien Chazelle and one that should not be missed by any moviegoers out there.
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