Judging from the piling accolades and fast-moving word-of-mouth praise, Whiplash may be the best thing that both J. K. Simmons and Miles Teller have done in their careers. From director and writer Damien Chazzelle (his second feature film), Teller plays an aspiring jazz drummer that strives for perfection under an intensely passionate conductor (Simmons), who pushes him beyond his limits in unconventional ways. Under the pressure, Teller’s character gives up other aspects of his life in his quest to greatness and shuts out those around him in the midst of his obsession.
From the trailer alone, each actor dominates the scenes he is in, creating a powerful and dark tension that surrounds the film.
Whiplash is out in limited release now.
