WHIPLASH (2014)

An intense dynamo of a film thanks to its two leads, Whiplash is the story of jazz drummer Andrew Niemann (an incredible Miles Teller), who's just gotten into the prestigious Shaffer School for Music.  Niemann's passion for being one of the great jazz drummers ever - up there with Buddy Rich or Charlie Parker - turns into obsession when he gains the attention of the most notorious, highly-regarded teacher in the school, Dr. Terence Fletcher (JK Simmons).  Fletcher, foul-mouthed and hot-tempered (to say the least) runs his studio band like a marine sergeant, belittling his players and breaking them down, and the ensuing relationship between Fletcher and Niemann seems destined to drive Andrew over the brink, into either genius or madness.  The performances, as said, are mesmerizing; Simmons, Oscar-nominated, is a barely-controlled maniac as Fletcher, in what (with a lesser actor) could have come off as caricature, but here is both horrifying and riveting.  A must-see film, with a tremendous jazz score background for a draining, emotional story. (rated R)  A

WHIPLASH trailer