A simple story, but executed with such ferocity and intelligence that it just feels fresh. The internal struggle in Andrew is excellently conveyed, you can see his passion seeping through the blood, sweat and tears and yet mentally unable to cope with Fletcher's methods. Fletcher leans towards the latter, so much so that he actually imposes physical damage to Andrew to test whether he will be discouraged from the harsh reality of perfection or not. The struggle for perfection is difficult in any profession, there is no right or wrong way to achieve this the question is: "is there a line between gently pushing someone towards a goal or inflicting emotional torture upon them?". The strive for perfection amidst the continuous passion that elevates Andrew as a person and how Fletcher uses his passion in attempt to obtain the perfect musician that Andrew hopes to be. I've never been so compelled in a drama ever (and this is my 5th viewing). The psychological battle and the consequential emotional turmoil that follows. This is about Fletcher as much as it is about Andrew. This is a brutal character study, absolutely savage. Terence Fletcher, a renowned teacher at said college, sees potential in Andrew and chooses him to be the drummer in his band, at the expense of emotional distress. Andrew is a college student who simply wants to be the best drummer. Damien Chazelle crafted not just a tense dramatic piece of cinema, but a thematic experience with layered subtext. There aren't enough superlatives to describe the amazingness of Whiplash. The other question becomes how much emotional abuse he will endure by Fletcher to reach that greatness, which he may believe he can only achieve with the avenues opened up by Fletcher. He has to figure out his life priorities and what he is willing to sacrifice to be the best. Regardless, Andrew works hard to be the best. His modus operandi creates an atmosphere of fear and of every man or woman for him/herself within the band. Being the best in Fletcher's mind does not only entail playing well, but knowing that you're playing well and if not what you're doing wrong. Andrew quickly learns that Fletcher operates on fear and intimidation, never settling for what he considers less than the best each and every time. Based on their less than positive first meeting, Andrew is surprised that Fletcher asks him to join the band, albeit in the alternate drummer position which he is more than happy to do initially.
At Shaffer, being the best means being accepted to study under Terence Fletcher and being asked to play in his studio band, which represents the school at jazz competitions. Andrew is starting his first year at Shaffer Conservatory of Music, the best music school in the United States. This goal is despite not coming from a pedigree of greatest, musical or otherwise, with Jim, his high school teacher father, being a failed writer. Nineteen year old Andrew Niemann wants to be the greatest jazz drummer in the world, in a league with Buddy Rich.
0 kommentar(er)
