Whiplash
Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity.
October 10, 2014 · Directed by Damien Chazelle
What's been said
Viewers and critics embraced Whiplash as one of the standout films of 2014, with broad acclaim from professional critics and enthusiastic audience response alike. The performances are the most consistently praised element: J.K. Simmons won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his terrifying, nuanced turn as Fletcher, and the film's kinetic editing and direction are widely described as generating tension that rivals any thriller. The most common criticism, particularly from jazz musicians and those familiar with the world depicted, is that the film misrepresents jazz culture, portraying the art form as a cutthroat competition rather than a joyful, collaborative pursuit, with some calling it a sports film dressed up as a jazz movie. A notable detail: Chazelle drew from his own experience as a young drummer in a high-pressure high school jazz program, and the film began as a Sundance short before earning enough buzz to be expanded into a feature that earned almost $50 million against a $3 million budget.
Will you actually like it?
Answer a few quick questions and we'll predict how much you'll like this movie, not whether critics did. Each one targets something this film specifically leans into, where viewers tend to split. We think these are the questions that will best help predict how well it will align with you.
Where to watch
Trailer
