Have you ever aspired to become truly great at something in life and were willing to go to any length to achieve it? That’s precisely what a drummer that shares the same name as me, Andrew (Miles Teller), strived for in the movie Whiplash.
The film centers around him, a young and rather unconfident first year student at Shaffer Conservatory of Music, who’s only dream in life seems to be that of becoming Buddy Rich, one of the most talented drummers of all time. Late one night while practicing in the studio, Andrew looks up during a ferocious drum roll sequence to notice he’s being watched by Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), the conductor of the school’s top-ranked jazz ensemble that competes on the national level. It doesn’t take long for Andrew to realize how much Fletcher demands of those who get the chance to study under him, and it’s one that definitely comes with a pretty serious mental and emotional price tag. While Fletcher does seem to have a gift to see and hear a budding musical artist, his way of showing that comes mostly in the form of an angry drill sergeant out of boot camp. Through repeated verbal and even some physical abuse, Fletcher pushes each of his musical prodigies to the brink of madness, hoping to inspire them to greatness, with Andrew often being at the center of his brute and usually ridiculing behaviors. Does Andrew crack under the pressure like so many of Fletcher’s students end up doing and give up, or does he fully rise to greatness and become the drummer Fletcher believes he was born to become?
Whiplash is by far what I would consider to be the best movie of 2014. I felt each and every moment of pain, joy, sadness, and triumph that my name’s counterpart felt during the entire length of this movie. I genuinely hope I will see this movie go on to garner many honors during this upcoming film awards season. But more importantly, Whiplash was a well-needed rejuvenator I’ve been seeking as of late for my own spiritual journey in life. And it’s one that I know will eventually end up in my own private collection to watch anytime I find my spirit once again needing some spiritual inspiration…
Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson
Hi Andrew – hope all is well. Have you seen the movie The Artist ? watched it over the weekend not sure if I liked it.
love
Deb
Actually, it was one movie I never did get to see. I think it was the silent black and white treatment that turned me off but I did hear from many that it was fantastic. I hope you check out Whiplash at some point!
I’m curious about “Whiplash,” but only a little, to be honest. I know YOU loved it, but it sounds like a musical version of “The Great Santini,” a movie I started to watch but couldn’t finish. That kind of berating and belittling is something of which I’ve seen too much, both as a teen and as an adult.
There are days when I think I’m “called to greatness,” and then I realize I have trouble with just delusions of adequacy :-).
I’ve heard of the movie… but never saw it. I would definitely though watch Whiplash if you can… I truly think it will move your spirit in many ways.