Whiplash

Definitely my f*cking tempo. J.K. Simmons took on a portrayal of a perfectionist and did it on demon timing. I’m pretty certain this was the furthest thing from a comedy; but I caught myself laughing numerous times as it was hard to comprehend how inhumane his treatment was towards his band members. Andrew falling into a pit of constant pursuit was a great watch, as you see him put greatness and success ahead of everything else in his life - including himself. At moments I felt that fire and motivation myself to keep pushing at my own pursuits, but I was reminded multiple times throughout the movie how pursuit without balance is a dangerous game to play. It goes without saying how Andrew’s environment was possibly the biggest factor with his unhealthy attempt to become great. Quite quickly you saw how Fletcher’s hard approach bled into the rest of his life (literally at times). Fletcher himself was such an interesting character and I think there was probably only one moment where we see him being vulnerable and human, when learning about the fate of a former student. Other than that, every student in his path was like a chess set on steroids - with emotions, pain, fuel and hunger being the pieces. No care was put into the pieces themselves. As long as they won, Fletcher believed he’d done his job The conclusion brought home how some of these toxic cycles often goes - the highs and lows are almost as addicting as each other, making it hard for some to let go of a situation completely. Even when the lows are that low, and that ultimately it isn’t healthy for them. Side note but I also loved how this movie was mostly self contained. Extended family and love interests were used sparingly to emphasise Andrew’s direction; but the main focus simply stayed where it needed to be - between the two characters that keep you glued to the screen from minute 1.