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Whiplash

  • 20142014
  • RR
  • 1h 46m
IMDb RATING
8.5/10
810K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
249
10
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Miles Teller in Whiplash (2014)
Andrew Neyman is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man's life. Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability -- and his sanity.
Play trailer2:09
10 Videos
99+ Photos
  • Drama
  • Music

A promising young drummer enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor who will stop at nothing to realize a student's potential.A promising young drummer enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor who will stop at nothing to realize a student's potential.A promising young drummer enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor who will stop at nothing to realize a student's potential.

IMDb RATING
8.5/10
810K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
249
10
  • Director
    • Damien Chazelle
  • Writer
    • Damien Chazelle
  • Stars
    • Miles Teller
    • J.K. Simmons
    • Melissa Benoist
Top credits
  • Director
    • Damien Chazelle
  • Writer
    • Damien Chazelle
  • Stars
    • Miles Teller
    • J.K. Simmons
    • Melissa Benoist
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 1.5KUser reviews
    • 589Critic reviews
    • 88Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #43
    • Won 3 Oscars
      • 98 wins & 145 nominations total

    Videos10

    Trailer #2
    Trailer 2:09
    Trailer #2
    Jason Blum: A Brief History of Blumhouse
    Clip 3:46
    Jason Blum: A Brief History of Blumhouse
    A Guide to the Films of Damien Chazelle
    Clip 1:58
    A Guide to the Films of Damien Chazelle
    The First Ten Minutes
    Clip 10:10
    The First Ten Minutes
    Clip
    Clip 1:00
    Clip
    Clip
    Clip 0:52
    Clip
    Clip
    Clip 1:37
    Clip
    "So You Do Know the Difference"
    Clip 1:42
    "So You Do Know the Difference"
    Sundance Film Festival Watchlist
    Video 1:30
    Sundance Film Festival Watchlist

    Photos225

    J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller in Whiplash (2014)
    J.K. Simmons in Whiplash (2014)
    J.K. Simmons, Miles Teller, and Austin Stowell in Whiplash (2014)
    Paul Reiser and Miles Teller in Whiplash (2014)
    Miles Teller in Whiplash (2014)
    J.K. Simmons in Whiplash (2014)
    Miles Teller in Whiplash (2014)
    J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller in Whiplash (2014)
    J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller in Whiplash (2014)
    Miles Teller in Whiplash (2014)
    J.K. Simmons in Whiplash (2014)
    J.K. Simmons in Whiplash (2014)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Miles Teller
    Miles Teller
    • Andrewas Andrew
    J.K. Simmons
    J.K. Simmons
    • Fletcheras Fletcher
    Melissa Benoist
    Melissa Benoist
    • Nicoleas Nicole
    Paul Reiser
    Paul Reiser
    • Jim Neimannas Jim Neimann
    Austin Stowell
    Austin Stowell
    • Ryanas Ryan
    Nate Lang
    Nate Lang
    • Carl Tanneras Carl Tanner
    Chris Mulkey
    Chris Mulkey
    • Uncle Frankas Uncle Frank
    Damon Gupton
    Damon Gupton
    • Mr. Krameras Mr. Kramer
    Suanne Spoke
    Suanne Spoke
    • Aunt Emmaas Aunt Emma
    Max Kasch
    Max Kasch
    • Dorm Neighboras Dorm Neighbor
    Charlie Ian
    • Dustinas Dustin
    Jayson Blair
    Jayson Blair
    • Travisas Travis
    Kofi Siriboe
    Kofi Siriboe
    • Bassist (Nassau)as Bassist (Nassau)
    Kavita Patil
    Kavita Patil
    • Assistant - Sophieas Assistant - Sophie
    C.J. Vana
    C.J. Vana
    • Metzas Metz
    Tarik Lowe
    Tarik Lowe
    • Pianist (Studio Band)as Pianist (Studio Band)
    Tyler Kimball
    • Saxophonist #2 (Studio Band)as Saxophonist #2 (Studio Band)
    Rogelio Douglas Jr.
    Rogelio Douglas Jr.
    • Trumpeter #1 (Studio Band)as Trumpeter #1 (Studio Band)
    • Director
      • Damien Chazelle
    • Writer
      • Damien Chazelle
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit
    Nineteen year old Andrew Niemann wants to be the greatest jazz drummer in the world, in a league with Buddy Rich. This goal is despite not coming from a pedigree of greatest, musical or otherwise, with Jim, his high school teacher father, being a failed writer. Andrew is starting his first year at Shaffer Conservatory of Music, the best music school in the United States. At Shaffer, being the best means being accepted to study under Terence Fletcher and being asked to play in his studio band, which represents the school at jazz competitions. Based on their less than positive first meeting, Andrew is surprised that Fletcher asks him to join the band, albeit in the alternate drummer position which he is more than happy to do initially. Andrew quickly learns that Fletcher operates on fear and intimidation, never settling for what he considers less than the best each and every time. Being the best in Fletcher's mind does not only entail playing well, but knowing that you're playing well and if not what you're doing wrong. His modus operandi creates an atmosphere of fear and of every man or woman for him/herself within the band. Regardless, Andrew works hard to be the best. He has to figure out his life priorities and what he is willing to sacrifice to be the best. The other question becomes how much emotional abuse he will endure by Fletcher to reach that greatness, which he may believe he can only achieve with the avenues opened up by Fletcher. —Huggo
    • drummer
    • music school
    • teacher student relationship
    • new york city
    • drum solo
    • 54 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • The road to greatness can take you to the edge
    • Genres
      • Drama
      • Music
    • Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
      • Rated R for strong language including some sexual references
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The film was shot in 19 days.
    • Goofs
      When Fletcher throws the chair at Neiman, the guitarist is behind Neiman in the first shot then missing in the second, probably removed to avoid being hit by the chair.
    • Quotes

      Terence Fletcher: There are no two words in the English language more harmful than "good job".

    • Connections
      Featured in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Tyler Perry/Miles Teller/Lucinda Williams (2014)
    • Soundtracks
      Overture
      Written by Justin Hurwitz

      Courtesy of 5AM Music, Ltd.

    User reviews1.5K

    Review
    Top review
    10/10
    Whiplash is a modern day masterpiece.
    I don't say that often, in fact...never. There aren't enough superlatives to describe the amazingness of Whiplash. Damien Chazelle crafted not just a tense dramatic piece of cinema, but a thematic experience with layered subtext. Andrew is a college student who simply wants to be the best drummer. Terence Fletcher, a renowned teacher at said college, sees potential in Andrew and chooses him to be the drummer in his band, at the expense of emotional distress. This is a brutal character study, absolutely savage. This is about Fletcher as much as it is about Andrew. The psychological battle and the consequential emotional turmoil that follows. I've never been so compelled in a drama ever (and this is my 5th viewing). The strive for perfection amidst the continuous passion that elevates Andrew as a person and how Fletcher uses his passion in attempt to obtain the perfect musician that Andrew hopes to be. The struggle for perfection is difficult in any profession, there is no right or wrong way to achieve this; the question is: "is there a line between gently pushing someone towards a goal or inflicting emotional torture upon them?". Fletcher leans towards the latter, so much so that he actually imposes physical damage to Andrew to test whether he will be discouraged from the harsh reality of perfection or not. The internal struggle in Andrew is excellently conveyed, you can see his passion seeping through the blood, sweat and tears and yet mentally unable to cope with Fletcher's methods. A simple story, but executed with such ferocity and intelligence that it just feels fresh. Damien Chazelle directed the heck out of this. Quick cuts between the musical instruments and nice long takes of Miles Teller and J.K Simmons duelling in anger. Speaking on Simmons, the best performance I've seen in years. Both complicated and terrifying simultaneously, he deserved every award. Teller was near perfect as well, conveying innocence and vulnerability. Look, I can talk about Whiplash forever. It's a masterpiece. End of review.
    helpful•162
    37
    • TheMovieDiorama
    • Mar 2, 2018

    FAQ2

    • What's the meaning of "Milk the cunt"?
    • What happened to Tanner's folder?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 15, 2014 (Philippines)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official site
      • Official site (France)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Whiplash: Música y obsesión
    • Filming locations
      • Santa Clarita, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Bold Films
      • Blumhouse Productions
      • Right of Way Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $3,300,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $13,092,000
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $135,388
      • Oct 12, 2014
    • Gross worldwide
      • $49,396,747
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 46 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • SDDS
      • Datasat
      • Dolby Atmos
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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