MOVIE MONDAYS: WHIPLASH
This movie completely blew me away. It is definitely one of those films that have your mouth open for most of it if not all. I managed to get my butt down to the Cornerhouse again last Tuesday to watch Whiplash with Emily and it was exactly what I needed.
* * * *
Source: Sony Pictures Classics
Intense. Captivating. Inspiring. Those are three words I'd use to describe this beautiful film about an aspiring musician who wants to be one the greats and will do just about anything to make that dream a reality. Damien Chazelle (Grand Piano; Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench) not only wrote the awe-inducing script for Whiplash but directed it too. This film - which was shot in 19 days!! - had me feeling guilty, amazed, shocked, empowered and slightly out of breath by the end of it. And the music! Oh wow! I mean, the drums have always been one of my favourite instruments but goodness me do I have a deeeeeper appreciation for the sound they are capable producing under the direction of a drummer who is in tune with the pure magic of music.
* * * *
Source: Sony Pictures Classics
The pace of this independent film is both slow and fast and gives your attention little to no chance of playing hard to get. There is a dark element to it as well which to me was enhanced by the minimal use of natural light as were the heightened emotions of the characters. Speaking of characters, Miles Teller (Two Night Stand; Divergent; Footloose) and J.K. Simmons (The Closer; Up in the Air; Spider-man) gave such hair-raising performances as Andrew and Fletcher that it was incredible easy to be swept up by the world Damien Chazelle created which was birthed from of his own personal experiences as a drummer.
* * * *
Despite whatever kind of genre of film is your favourite, if you have the opportunity to see Whiplash take it. It is a story that has the power to make you get up the next morning and attempt to be better than who you were yesterday; at least that is how it made me feel. Plus, the soundtrack for this film is one that you'll want to listen to on repeat.
Mo x