​FILMS

whiplash

Whiplash (Drama): 94 out of 100: What a movie! All the ingredients have come together to make a delicious, delectable serving. It will simply blow your mind with its admirable acting, perfect plot, sensational screenplay, magnificent music, excellent editing and distinguished direction. It's the best movie of the year so far.

J.K. Simmons, a noted character actor, is brutal at times playing the teacher at a prestigious music conservatory in New York. Miles Teller plays one of his students who is a gifted drummer. The exchanges between them provide the tension that is sorely lacking in some so-called thrillers. The dialogue positively sizzles and will have you on the edge of your seat. Who would have thought that a music film would generate such energy in its dialogue?

Both main actors are generating Oscar buzz and deservedly so. It would be a travesty of justice if they are not nominated for next year's Academy Awards. They are both dynamic and memorable in their roles. You will walk away from the movie blown away by their performances.

Energy can also be found in the editing especially during the music scenes. It is cut to the point where you feel like you are a member of the audience listening to the band's performances. There is a beautiful flow to the scenes that you won't notice the time go by. You actually want an encore. Not once did I look at my watch, that's how engrossed I was in the film.

Music is the focus and it sure does shine. If you are a fan of jazz, you will fall in love with the score. Even if you don't like jazz, you will appreciate the music as it goes hand in hand with the story. The energy in the drumming scenes is simply awesome. If this was a live performance, you would be giving the musicians a standing ovation.

I had never heard of Damien Chazelle before this movie. He is the writer and director and he definitely is a major talent. Not only is his screenplay full of vitality but his direction is assured and projects the nuances of the acting and story. It will be difficult for him to top this effort.

"Whiplash" deserves to be seen on the big screen. It's not a blockbuster filled with special effects but it proves that a film with the core bases of acting, story and directing covered, is one for lovers of cinema to see.

Starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons
(107 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language, adult themes and sexual references
Additional scene during or after credits: No
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d_jQycdQGo (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Friday 31st October, 2014)