Whiplash is Damien Chazelle’s first feature film and is worthy of the praise and accolades it has received. A path of adversity to achieve success is the basis of all film, but Chazelle takes adversity to a new level with JK Simmon’s authoritative “Terence Fletcher” and Miles Teller’s driven “Andrew.”
It is almost easy to confuse the conflict of the film as “Andrew vs Fletcher,” but Fletcher is really the guiding factor for Andrew. This confusing relationship creates a second level of complexity on the typical “wise old man and padawan.“ Chazelle really hones in on the sacrifice needed for success.
This is done exceptionally well by pitting Andrew against the traditionally supportive roles around him. By having Andrew break up with his girlfriend and lash out against family, it nails down the alienation he feels on his journey. Paul Reiser does a wonderful job as the “incompetent father” role, and his complacency and politeness is the perfect contrast to Fletcher’s insanity.
Chazelle does well to create contrast between average and exceptional in several aspects and depicts the suffering that the exceptional entails. He concludes with a stellar grand finale that almost tells you the sacrifice was worth it, but the choice is left up to you.