C.T Recommended: Whiplash (2014)

Directed by Damien Chazelle

Starring: Miles Teller, J.K Simmons

The plot follows the relationship between an ambitious jazz drumming student (Teller) and an abusive instructor (Simmons).

Oh wow wow wow. I knew this film was good, but I didn't think it would be THAT good. This film help brought Damien Chazelle into the big picture, who is considered to be one of the best upcoming directors/screenplay writers of recent years (and only 29 at the time).

The plot is simple and engaging. The themes of the film are inspirational that encourage us to

keep fighting, and keep working hard to achieve success in life. I honestly don't like Miles Teller, but I cannot deny that he was great in this film. J.K. Simmons was both phenomenal and terrifying in his role. Fletcher (Simmons) is a complex character, one that invokes a lot of emotion through his actions, and while he is often angry in the film, we believe he's doing it to push them harder into success. The character development is great, and I for one was rooting for Teller's character and

The visuals are good, and the cinematography was excellent. The camerawork was brilliant, especially the use of whip-pan shots, which Chazelle uses in his other films, especially seen in La La Land. The finale is nothing but breathtaking, and that alone deserves the Best Film Editing Academy Award. Apart from Best Film Editing, the film also picked up the award for Best Sound Mixing (which it totally deserved), and was nominated for Best Picture (which it lost out to Birdman, which I cannot complain, as that was a phenomenal movie on its own).

In conclusion, a fantastic film with powerful performances. This movie aims to inspire and demonstrates that hard work and dedication can grant you anything. Damien Chazelle you are a great director, and I never saw a film so deserving of a recommendation, and this film is definitely a certified classic.

My rating: 9.5/10

#CTRecommended #2019