Billed to me as 'film of the year so far' by the fine people at
RedLetterMedia (even though they didn't actually get around to reviewing
it), I was very excited about finally seeing
Whiplash - the film for which J K Simmons had his contribution to
bit-part acting recognised by the Academy in February this year. The
role he plays here is one any actor would have been eager to get their
teeth into, that of obsessive music teacher Fletcher at one of New
York's biggest and most prestigious music schools. Fletcher runs the
school's elite jazz band, and expects rigorous attention to detail from
his students. He is revered and feared by all at the school, the
students equally scared of being noticed or over-looked by him.
Miles
Teller (who looks a lot like Will Wheaton, and who actually plays the drums) plays Andrew Neimann, an aspiring drummer who Fletcher brings
into his band and is then driven by varying levels of obsession to
succeed. Initially fearful of his own talent and Fletcher's reputation,
he is soon driven by an obsession to be the best drummer in the world -
an obsession that Fletcher is all to eager to fuel. Andrew clashes
with his family, his classmates, a potential girlfriend and finally with
himself as he is psychologically and physically pushed to Fletcher be
the best.
Just taken on a purely dramatic
level, this is a superb film. It's about a clash between two characters
who both want the same thing. It's about excellence, and what it means
to achieve that tantalising concept. It's asks if true talent comes
from the heart, the head, practice and dedication, or something deeper
in your soul. But not only this, like any great piece of music it
swings back-and-forth before coming to a crescendo with an entirely
unexpected denouement. A final sequence of music plays out that's a
battle of wills between characters and a comment on the creative process
- "art from adversity" if you will.
Thankfully the Oscars took note of Whiplash when handing their awards out earlier this year, Simmons took an award for his acting, while the film was rewarded for its editing and sound mixing. The award for sound is obvious, the award for editing becomes clear on second viewing when you realise how Andrew's view of the world and obsession with being the best is faultlessly built up from interesting framing, cuts and camerawork. Would have been good to see it get the best film award given its simplicity in form that disguises a deep meaning in its heart - but you can't have it all. Instead we have an outstanding film with an intense performance from J K Simmons that everyone should watch.
