Whiplash

Andrew got what he wanted but not what he needed. The reason this story disappointed me was that it didn't have a character arch at all. The plot had an arch for sure but Andrew never changes in the story. He becomes a better drummer and doesn't let Fletcher break him in the end. But Andrew's character never changes. He could have changed if he had gotten what he needed which was to see that being great is not what life's about. He destroyed himself and took all the beauty out of the music because he tried to hijack the music to solve his existential crisis. He should have learned that Fletcher's philosophy on greatness was twisted. The conversation he has at the dinner table is all about having your name remembered. Is having your name remembered worth destroying your life, your relationships, sucking the joy out of art, and dying of a heroine overdoes? Essentially this story is the antithesis to a film like Paddington. Instead of a virtuous bear making everyone around him better, this film gives us a bitter jazz teacher who makes everyone around him worse. The lesson is simple: If you don't become one of the greats your life was a waste so tear yourself apart and make yourself and everyone around miserable because becoming great is all there is and if you're not great then you're nothing. Andrew believes this from beginning to end and the whole film is there to tell us that Andrew did what other people were to weak to do. Is the guy that switched to pre-med weak? I think not. Anyone who stayed in that music studio with Fletcher for more than one lesson is weak. Andrew is so insecure and in need of an identity that he'll allow Fletcher to destroy him. This is a story that glorifies the most destructive side of art which posits that an artist must destroy himself and suffer through all hell or what he produces is will be worthless. Please read Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic" if you want a vision of making art that doesn't destroy the artist and everyone around him.

Whiplash brings in themes of the pursuit of perfection and what one is willing to give up to achieve it, but never forces any ideas down the viewers throat, instead allowing two amazing lead actors to square off against each other in many wonderful scenes. The music is amazing, and is the perfect vessel for the films concepts as it both captures an artistic talent and a pure physicality that is captured perfectly in the cinematography. It also has the best ending ever.

A true love song for drummers and jazz as well. Well structured story telling, that flows like the jazz music within it. The third act alone had me in tears. As a drummer who has drummed almost my entire life, it was wonderful to see such a visceral depiction of how one bleeds to master their instrument. I remember having to tape my sticks in my hands after playing for three bands in one night. This film made me feel that again, and in spades. What a tremendous film.