Remember those tales of piano teachers who would rap you across the knuckles with a ruler if you played a wrong note? My piano teaching parents never did that to me which is possibly why I became a mediocre saxophone player rather than the next Oscar Peterson (Remember that name - Oscar - it could/should have a lot of relevance re Whiplash!)
Terence Fletcher, played magnificently by Simmons, had no truck with knuckle wrapping rulers - he showed his displeasure by throwing pieces of furniture at any of his student band members who didn't perform up to his unreachable standards. Young drummer Andrew (Miles Teller) is the main butt of Fletcher's attention subjecting the talented student to the most virulent verbal abuse imaginable in his attempt to drive the boy ever upwards and onwards.
A totally compelling film dominated by two characters - everyone else, even the slight love interest, are bit players - that held my attention from the start to the final credits.
The big band music is excellent and the drumming incredible - although not incredible enough for Fletcher!
JK Simmons - prepare your acceptance speech now!
Lance.
2 comments :
We enjoyed it at the Tyneside Cinema last night too with a lot of guys in the audience - maybe a lot of drummers?!
The best ever music based film, WOW so dark and brutal
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