Being called to the stage next is Damien Chazelle's highly intense and psychological 'Whiplash'.
Chazelle is pretty new to the film scene and quite young (30) for someone of his profession.
But after seeing his latest project, you would think he had been doing it for years.
We you find a little cinematic gem, you always feel really proud of yourself that you have watched one of the years greats. Whiplash, could well be that little gem that may impress audiences, but not make a noticeable taking in the box office. It is one way for the true cinema fans to say to each other "this can be our little secret".
Throughout the film, it is incredibly atmospheric and the tightness of its major scenes raises your anxiety levels up to breaking point. Films that are this tense make you feel uneasy like in a Paul Greengrass film. Then, just when I thought it had reached its peak, the final scene just completely exhausts you and you have to take a while to get out of your seat and leave the screening.
Three big parts make this film an incredible achievement, the writing/directing, the cinematography and the two leads Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons.
Chazelle's innovative directing and writing style really sells the film. He knows exactly what type of film he is making and his love for music is clearly shown. His creation is quite a gritty, layered and character driven experience. His script is definitely one of the best of the year.
The news you are hearing about Simmons is true and then some. He has finally found the role that the world will see for his unlimited talent. He creates a character so full of passion that he is willing to push the boundaries to get what he wants. With his unreal one-liners, his performance is simply magnificent. It reminds of when Chrstoph Waltz jumped onto the scene and was instantly getting Academy awards for his super-human efforts.
Teller really broke through in this one. With Simmons getting all the awards notice, it is such a shame that Teller is getting massively over-looked. He has managed to submerge himself into our main character in a way that we do not see many actors young or old do. I was certainly not expecting such a powerful screen presence and I am really excited to see where he goes from here.
Amazingly, there are a few small problems. Unfortunately, there were a few sub-plot strands that were either not looked into again or never completed that I think a lot of people including myself will have want to have seen.
Whiplash will certainly be one of the films to be experienced from 2014. The performances by Teller and Simmons creates one of the best screen relationships of the year. Chazelle has given music such a personality that it becomes an integral character.
If you love music, you will find this a very real presentation of it, especially as it contains one of the best final scenes for a quite a few years. Drumming has never looked so good.
Rating: 8/10
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