Whiplash (10/10/2014)

Rated R for strong language including some sexual references.

Starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons and Paul Reiser

Directed by Damien Chazelle

Whiplash is Full Metal Jacket meets Drumline…with a much better soundtrack.

Andrew Neyman is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man’s life. Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability-and his sanity.

Miles Teller is perfect as the broken and bullied drummer who still manages to be arrogant and smug. He is believable and likable and I found myself cheering for him. But make no mistake about it; J.K. Simmons is the star of the film. He is scary, violent and extremely intense.

Director Damien Chazelle does an amazing job of telling a simple story about a drummer and his teacher in a very profound way. He manages to keep the audience engaged while keeping the pace moving almost as fast as the drumsticks. I also love his choice of shots. They are often fast-paced between the drummer, the other musicians, the director and the sheet music. All this adds to the intensity of the film.

Finally there is the music itself. My oldest daughter is a drummer, and we were both in awe of the “soundtrack.”

So much about this film was amazing. I just wish there wasn’t so much profanity and for that reason I’m giving it a score of “theater worthy”… not “worth buying.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity, but there are several sexual references. There is also very strong language throughout the film including over 100 uses of the F-word and several other profanities.

Although a music-themed film, the film is extremely intense throughout as well as emotional. In particular, Fletcher’s treatment of his students is incredibly disturbing, to the point of outright cruelty, and will upset some viewers.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What are your thoughts about Fletcher?


2. Can you imagine him being your teacher/instructor/youth pastor?


3. What motivates Andrew?


4. What does he do in order to become “the best”?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.


5. Why is doing our best important to God?


6. What can you do this week to do your best for God?