Move 1: Whiplash is a film about an aspiring drummer who is striving to become one of the greatest drummers of all time. Andrew Nieman was a student at one of the top orchestras in the country. He was introduced to an arrogant and extremely strict teacher. Terrence Fletcher was the name of the chairman of the organization. Fletcher used his extreme methods of teaching to push his student to achieve greatness. The scenes in this movie go closely into perspective on how Andrew makes drumming his number one priority.
Move 2: The relationship between Andrew and his teacher Fletcher starts off as a regular teacher student relationship. The first time they meet Andrew’s eyes were filled with hope and he was ready to embark on his journey to become the greatest drummer to ever live. His first session under Fletcher started with Andrew on the drums and Fletcher quickly caught on to Andrew’s mistake. He asked him several time whether he was rushing or dragging and Andrew didn’t know whether he was rushing or dragging, Fletcher furiously hurled a chair in Andrew’s direction leaving him frozen. This is when we get the first glimpse of Fletchers’s harsh methods of teaching.Fletcher believes his methods combined with the drive and desire of the student is what makes you stand out as a drummer. Eventually Fletchers methods of teaching causes Nieman to crack, Ultimately crushing his drive to become the best drummer.
Move 3: Several scenes throughout the movie depict Nieman in his room with nothing but a drum set practicing and repeating the same moves over and over again. Fletcher was a perfectionist and it grew onto Nieman which would drive him to play the drums till his hands bled. Nieman has a drive to prove Fletcher wrong because Fletcher believes he doesn’t have what it take to become great.
Move 4: You have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations for you to grow. Tough love is an aspect that is implemented perfectly in Whiplash. If Fletcher had never been so hard of Nieman his wouldn’t of been so successful. Even though he may not show it Fletcher only cares about pushing his students to their maximum potential. This is shown in the last scene of the movie when Fletcher tries to sabotage Nieman by switching his script and purposely trying to throw him off in front of important people. Nieman takes his own route and starts playing the song he knows and queues the rest of the band in. When Fletcher realizes that Nieman has what it takes he starts to regret trying to sabotage him and trys to help him.
Move 5: The movie ended on a cliff hanger. What happened to Nieman and Fletcher’s relationship after the recital? Did Nieman become the greatest drummer of all time? Did Fletcher apologize to Nieman after what he did? Is Fletcher going to continue to use these teaching methods?