Feature | Lights, Camera, Action! – London Film Festival: Whiplash (Movie Review) Page 1

Feature | Lights, Camera, Action! – London Film Festival: Whiplash (Movie Review)

Whiplash (UK Rating: 15)

After launching itself on the film world with a thunderclap at Sundance at the beginning of the year, Damian Chazelle's Whiplash has been noticeably absent from the major film festival circuit, with the exception of Cannes - and, thankfully, London. Its gala screening received a rapturous standing ovation from the audience. It's not difficult to understand why. Whiplash was screened at the London Film Festival on 15th, 16th and 18th October and is released around the UK on Friday, 16th January, 2015. Lights, Camera, Action!'s Freda Cooper lays down the all-important final verdict.
Image for Feature | Lights, Camera, Action! – London Film Festival: Whiplash (Movie Review)

Ambitious jazz drummer, Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) is a first year student at an exclusive music college and is convinced he has the talent to make the big time. He's spotted by the most eccentric teacher at the conservatoire, Terence Fletcher (J. K. Simmons) who literally stops at nothing to get the very best from his students. He's also in charge of the college's top jazz band and adds Neyman to the corps as its drummer. However, that's only the start, as Fletcher is relentless in his search for perfection - as is Neyman.

Not that Neyman and Fletcher would ever admit it, but they are remarkably similar in that quest for perfection. The student literally bleeds and sweats over his drum kit, with sticking plaster flying in all directions from his hands. His teacher is also equally intense in his quest to find the next big thing. He frequently relates the story of how Charlie Parker's tutor threw a cymbal at his head after a below-par performance, nearly decapitating him, with relish. According to Fletcher, though, it was what turned Parker into Bird. Actually, the story isn't wholly true, but nonetheless Fletcher tries to emulate it by throwing a chair at Neyman for not keeping time during his first practice session.

Whiplash moves along at breakneck speed. Its shooting schedule was similarly brisk - just 19 days - and neither a beat, nor a moment, are wasted. So pumped with adrenaline is the film that it's the closest thing going to a big screen legal high. It's reinforced by quick-fire camera work that doesn't just tell the story: it enhances it and dazzles the audience at the same time.

Neither main character is especially sympathetic; Neyman's single-mindedness and resultant arrogance makes him difficult to like, even for his devoted father. He's contemptuous of other people's efforts, doesn't have any friends, and regards his down to earth girlfriend as an obstacle to his success rather than a source of companionship and support. The audience, however, is still on his side, and that's mainly because of Miles Teller's performance.

It is that of J. K. Simmons' part that is getting all the plaudits, though. Admittedly, it's the slightly showier part, but he owns it from start to finish. The role isn't just about bullying; there are moments when he shows a more human side to his character - a moistening of the eyes when a former pupil dies - but these are kept in check. Such vulnerability would undermine him and his methods. It's an electric piece of acting, one already tipped as the leading contender for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, and rightly so.

10/10

Masterpiece - Platinum Award

Whiplash is blood, sweat, tears and 100% adrenaline. Its physicality, often blistering dialogue, and sheer pace make it one of the most exhilarating cinema experiences in years. The screen fairly crackles as teacher and pupil clash, regardless of whether Fletcher's methods are justified or not. It's a rare film and an absolute must-see.