The Anthony Review: WHIPLASH

Channel:

CineDesi

Subscribers:

2,300,000

Published on February 21, 2015 10:46:31 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDyOA2677nU

Game:

Whiplash (2003)

Category:

Review

Duration: 3:22

3,023 views

111

I know, I know. This review is really late. But I just saw it yesterday and I couldn't resist doing a review for it. Instantly one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIES. Scroll down for the transcript!

Hit this link to get told when the next video drops:
http://www.youtube.com/user/jabykoay?sub_confirmation=1

Or follow me on Twitter for the random things I say @jabykoay

Transcript:
A story of blood, sweat, blood, tears, determination, blood, determination, blood, determination, determination and determination.

This is the Anthony Review for Whiplash!

Andrew, played by young version John Cusack, is a first year jazz student at a prestigious conservatory, and aspires to be a legendary drummer, much like his idol, Buddy Rich. When Andrew makes the cut for the school's studio band, the militant conductor, played by J.K. Simmons, is way more than he bargained for.

Now at first glance, I anticipated a yawn-fest, especially given the very uninviting, somewhat vague poster. But Rotten Tomatoes was like, "No dude, trust me! You gotta see it." And I was like, "Alright Rotten, you've only steered me wrong a couple of times."

I hadn't seen any film trailers, nor had I heard much about this movie. I read briefly just before hand that it was about a kid at a jazz school with an unorthodox conductor. I was like, "Wow. Sounds so compelling."

Well, that facetious voice in my head got punched square in the mouth. Talk about a big frackin' surprise. I was like...

I want to compare Whiplash to Glengary Glenross, but that be wrong. I want to compare it to Hustle & Flow, but THAT would be wrong. However, if you see this movie, you might get why those two films came to mind.

One strong principle in writing is that your main character wants something badly and that thing, whatever it is, if it isn't achieved, is the end of the world for your main character. And that principle guides Whiplash with an extreme passion. The script. Is. Rock. Solid. Between the hard-hitting dialogue and some very surprising moments, I had to put an ice pack on my chin after the movie... Ya know, from my jaw hitting the floor so many times.

The director, Damien Chazelle, who also penned the script, truly crafted a visual wonder. From first shot to last, combined with some very thorough editing by Tom Cross. A million applause to them. Bravo.

Now, while in reality, you won't find teachers as cutthroat and brutal like something out of Game of Thrones, Whiplash strongly conveys the feeling and pressure of conservatories and artistic ambitions in a far more interesting way than a more realistic version of this story could ever be.

Just like the end of Argo didn't really go down that way, the feeling you got from it conveyed what the real life counterparts to those characters felt surviving the actual endeavor.

Whiplash is a rarity amongst a collection of rarities. 2014 was probably the very best year in film since 1984. I would recommend Whiplash just as strong as I would Noah, the other amazing film from 2014 that so many people overlooked. Check out Whiplash before it leaves theaters and you miss your chance at viewing it with the full cinematic experience.

Other Statistics