Directed By – Damien Chazelle
Screenplay By – Damien Chazelle
Cinematography By – Sharon Meir
Starring Miles Teller & J.K. Simmons
107 min.
Not only was Whiplash the best movie I’ve seen this year but it was one of the better movies I’ve seen in quite some time. The yelling, the drive to be great, the music, the acting, the pacing, the blood, it all comes together to make something like drumming and music school the background for one of the most gripping stories I’ve encountered in a while. Nowadays independent movies all seem to have interesting stories and good acting but Whiplash takes this to another level. Whiplash is the story of greatness, but greatness in the minds of two men, one young and one old, and their ideals on how to get there. Maybe this story just resonated with me more so than manipulating the news or being a past movie superhero wanting to be taken serious (get my references). There have been a lot of very very good movies out recently but I think Whiplash is better than all of them.
J.K. Simmons is undeniably scary. We’ve seen him play the hardass role before, whether it be a military sergeant or a tough father but Whiplash finally gave him a role that he will be remembered by and to me that means he’s owed a statue. Without him there is no Whiplash. Miles Teller nails his part but he is constantly reacting to what Simmons gives him and not the other way around. Don’t get me wrong, both actors give incredible performances with gestures and intonations to suggest that there’s more to their characters then we even know, but Simmons will put the fear of God in you.
Go see this movie while you still can in theaters, hell I might go again before its done with its run. I’m looking forward to owning this one on Blu-Ray.
God Bless America
thedenhouse 