Remember two days ago I wrote about the utter disappointment of "Men, Women, and Children" mainly because I expect so much more from writer-director Jason Reitman. Well, he didn't write or direct "Whiplash." That task fell to 29-year-old Damien Chazelle. But Reitman was the producer and, for that, he earns major and quick points back in my book.
You see all those adjectives in the poster above? Well, as far as I am concerned, yes, yes, yes, yes, and YES. "Whiplash" is that good and just might be the best movie I've seen so far in 2014. There is hope and that's the kind that doesn't come with Crosby.
Again, like with the superlative "St. Vincent," you've seen this dynamic and plot before. Young guy aspires to something. A mean teacher or mentor stands in the way. Blah, blah, blah, and then bam.....happy ending.
Well, that's what you get with "Whiplash." But that's also not what you get with "Whiplash." Because just when you think you're getting the usual Hollywood conventions, the movie takes you down a path you've never been before. It is surprising and organic and real.
A luminous actor named Miles Teller plays Andrew, a young student drummer who hopes to one day rival Buddy Rich in the music world. He practices so much that his hands bleed. He manages to get into the Schafer music conservatory in New York City. He lives and breathes jazz and hopes to get into the school's jazz studio band led by teacher and former jazz pianist Terence Fletcher. The latter is played by Jason Reitman-favorite J.K. Simmons and this is an Oscar worthy performance. Because, in Simmons; expert hands, Fletcher is one of the biggest bastards you've ever seen on screen.
Remember Louis Gossett Jr. as the screaming drill master in "An Officer and a Gentleman?" Simmons in this movie is worse.
Remember that screaming gunnery sergeant in "Full Metal Jacket?" Simmons in this movie is worse.
Remember John Houseman as the dastardly Harvard law Professor Kingsfield in "The Paper Chase?" Simmons in this movie is worse.
Indeed, you hate this man right from the get go. He seemingly befriends Andrew during a break in class. Fletcher asks the kids about his father and his mother and his situation at home. Ten minutes later, he uses the information to humiliate the boy in class. And we know that we're off to the races.
What results is a constant tug-of-war between teacher and student that is painful to watch. But it's remarkable acting so you cannot look away for a second. Paul Reiser shines in the supporting role of Andrew's dad and I had forgotten how good an actor he was on "Mad About You." Andrew also starts to date a young girl who sells him popcorn at the movie theater. The young lady is a Fordham student in the film, so yay on that! Meanwhile, the scene where Andrew asks her out is so genuinely inept that it probably came right out of your and my life.
But, the movie belongs to Teller and Simmons. Supposedly, there is an autobiographical nature to this story as writer-director Chazelle also has a music background. Along with the wonderful performances, you're also treated to some great jazz orchestra selections that take you right back to the days of Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show band. And, yes, that really is Miles Teller on the drums.
There are several plot twists you don't see coming. One is so startling and incredibly realistic that the entire audience gasped in unison. As I said earlier, this is a conventional story that ultimately plays out in the most unconventional way. Oscar voters, please see "Whiplash" and fill out your nominating ballots accordingly.
And, one more time, props to Jason Reitman for the fast turnaround in quality.
LEN'S RATING: Four huge stars.
Dinner last night: Sandwich and salad.
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