Whiplash

A masterclass in clear, sharp screenwriting. The epitome of a movie of the time (no less than Taxi Driver in ‘76). What feels like one of the last movies that really depicts needing something and knowing that you have to do something about it and condemning that all the same. The last movie about being honest about your desires. If I had to guess, I think it’s that it came out in 2014, Taylor Swift’s 1989 New York City, right before Donald Trump, before the whole country’s tolerance limits changed. The last honest parable about the perils of meritocracy while actually showing the harsh realities of how it plays out. That actually has the balls to show you every step of temptation and hubris, rather than just meekly showing you the symbols. Immaculately edited. Lovingly shot. Makes a meal out of its otherwise simple premise. Top example of a debut filmmaker proving he has the juice right out of the gate.