Whiplash

— A surprisingly good film given that I didn’t recognize either of the two actors’ names or the director. As it ends up, the second I saw J.K. Simmons on screen I knew who he was and, after his incredible performance in “Whiplash”, I’ll recognize his name in the future. The film is also surprisingly interesting for a film about jazz and drumming that focuses on the conflict, bullying, respect, passion, obsession, and ambition of a young, jazz drummer and the teacher who takes him to the edge and a little beyond. There’s a frenzy to the experience that’s absolutely perfect.

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[2014. 107 min. Directed by Damien Chazelle. Starting Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons.]
http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/whiplash-2014