Whiplash: The Most Intense Cinematic Journey of the Year
Andrew Neiman (Milles Teller) is an aspiring jazz drummer under the critical command of conductor Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Fletcher pushes him as he works himself into a whole fury of blood, sweat and tears. The tension Whiplash brings will have any viewer out of breath trying to keep up with the emotions of Neiman. It’s cut to the pace of the beat keeping you constantly involved with the music and soundtrack. The cinematography brilliantly enhances the jazz look, making you feel fully immersed. Chazelle originally could not get the funding for the film, so instead made a short film version. After screening at Sundance, it won the short prize and he got the money to make the feature, now nominated for five Oscars. This includes the well-deserved best supporting actor for Simmons, his intense and torturous performance really pulls the piece together, constantly demanding your attention. You cannot look away. This is the type of film you really need to see in the cinema while you can, you cannot get the full experience of this in your own home, and what better way to support the film industry than watching one of the films of the year.
