Movies

SYNOPSIS

A talented young jazz drummer experiences a trial by fire when he's recruited by a ferocious instructor whose unyielding search for perfection may lead to his undoing. For as far back as Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) can remember, he's been watching his father fail. Determined to make a name for himself no matter what it takes, Andrew enrolls in a prestigious east coast music conservatory where his talent quickly catches the attention of Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) a esteemed music teacher who's notorious for his caustic approach in the classroom. The leader of the school's top jazz ensemble, Fletcher promptly transfers Neyman into his band, giving the ambitious young drummer a shot at true greatness. He may achieve it, too, if Neyman's methods don't drive him to madness first.

Damien Chazelle

Born in 1985, he is an American screenwriter and film director. His second film as a director, Whiplash, was released in 2014 to wide acclaim, including numerous nominations. Filmmaking was his earliest ambition, but he subsequently wanted to be a musician, and struggled to make it as a jazz drummer in high school.

Filmography

2014       Whiplash

2009       Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench

Festivals

2014       Sundance, Cannes, Toronto, Rio, Busan, New York, London, Deauville

Awards

2015       Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (J.K. Simmons); Sundance - Grand Jury Prize, Audience Award; Deauville - Grand Special Prize, Audience Award; Palm Springs - Spotlight Award (J.K. Simmons)

I suggest you take a defibrillator to Whiplash, since the chances of a heart attack or spontaneous combustion during viewing are high.

Kate Muir, The Times