Whiplash

How much misery must a person endure to make it to the very top? Nineteen-year-old drummer Andrew wants to be much more than just a musician. He wants to be great – like the jazz legend Buddy Rich. Shortly after arriving at an elite New York music school, Andrew catches the attention of its infamous music teacher Terence Fletcher, who invites him to join his jazz band. This ambitious instructor leaves no stone unturned when it comes to getting the most out of his students. His already ruthless teaching methods appear to Andrew to be increasingly intimidating. But Fletcher sees the potential in this talented young man and refuses to let up – he will either break or breakthrough. Damien Chazelle’s intense debut makes the devotion to music and exaggerated ambition of his protagonists almost tangible.