A Drumroll Please
This drummer boy
strives to be best.
His goal? To play
above the rest.
Will he survive
a teacher who
makes students cringe
for things they do?
This teacher man
shames students all.
He boosts them up
then sees them fall.
Both actors here
held me enthralled.
Acting, I think
their art is called.
Whiplash deserves
an Oscar shot.
INTENSITY
is what it’s got!
But beware, dear reader, for you may be exhausted by the end of this riveting film. It’s a fast-paced offering loaded with wild drum routines, loud jazz band numbers and jaw-dropping dialogue. Plus, emotionally draining interactions between the main characters might weigh heavy on your heart and soul. Still, you will be moved. This is a movie you cannot forget. No wonder the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominated the film for Oscars in five categories (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound Mixing).
Oscar buzz indicates that Simmons (Juno) is the favorite Best Supporting Actor nominee to beat, and I hope he wins. His dramatic pyro-techniques as a fearless instructor who stops at nothing to push students toward greatness come across as both disturbing and exciting to watch -- or maybe even a bit funny, especially his “not my tempo” tantrums. (Full disclosure: in days of yore I had a debate coach who used similar motivational methods but executed them with a more humane touch.)
Teller (Footloose) puts so much incredible energy into his drum playing that I could almost see his blood, sweat and tears soak through the screen. I had trouble deciding whether to pity his character or to cheer him on – or to do both.
This excellent motion picture deals with the age-old theme of greatness and how far one should go to achieve it. Other movies (sports flicks, I’m talking about you) have explored that issue before – but none with more ferocity than writer/director Damien Chazelle’s impressive Whiplash.
(Released by Sony Pictures Classics and rated “R” for strong language including some sexual references.)
Review also posted at ReelTalk Movie Reviews.
I'm often amazed at how actors can play the part of a musician and pull it off. I suppose they use tricks and some CGI, but when an actor can sing better than the original singer, that's really pulling it off. But I am glad that Glen Campbell is doing his own.
My nephew is a drummer in his own band but I've never heard him play or even seen a video. He must not be that good. I don't think he has any designs on being a career drummer and has just entered the National Guard.
I never thought of drumming as being something to be excellent at. While some lead singers have been drummers, when I went to concerts and had to sit through long drum solos I became quite bored… I guess one had to be high on drugs to understand the nuance, and I wasn't.
Once again, won't be seeing this one until it hits TV.
Ron