Whiplash | Full Reaction | Movie Ticket Pick
Added 2025-03-02 23:59:06 +0000 UTCThis movie hit me in a way I didn't expect! Personally, it brought back so many amazing memories from my own time in jazz band from middle school into high school. The long hours of practice, the exhilaration of nailing a solo, and even the moments of frustration all came flooding back to me. Music, especially in a competitive setting, has this way of pushing you to your limits. Sometimes in the best way, sometimes in the absolute worst.
Fletcher's teaching methods were absolutely insane, but there is also no denying that they got results. His philosophy (true greatness can only emerge from intense pressure) was brutal, yet it did push Andrew to a level he might not have ever reach otherwise. Tho, at what cost? That's the part that really stuck with me. The way Fletcher manipulated and broke him down, forcing him to sacrifice everything about himself for brilliance, was both fascinating and terrifying. It made me reflect back on how much of my own drive came from encouragement versus pressure and maybe if Fletcher was my teacher I'd have gone even further... But there is a line. A fine line between pushing someone to be their best and pushing them past their breaking point, and Whiplash sat right on that razor's edge.
Huge shoutout to Maz for picking this with his Movie Ticket!
Thank you for your support on Patreon!
Relax and enjoy 🍿🌿
LINK: https://youtu.be/q1RG14JIfuc
I watched this on Amazon Prime
Comments
Hi there Kali, new Patreon sub(Glory pulled me over). I'm a trumpet player who attended a conservatory and had a hard time with this movie on first watch for believability in a borderline psycho running the band lol. Haven't watched your reaction yet but planning on it tonight. Out of curiosity, what instrument did you play? Love your honest open hearted reactions. You've quickly become my favorite reactor on Youtube.
Eddie Collison
2025-04-28 19:21:40 +0000 UTCohhh.. cornet..sorryyy, I'm not a fluent english speaker 😭 I didn't know that word c': not gonna lie, I love brass instruments as well, I have a trombone and a bugle but I can't get much, technically, off them, mostly use them for ambiant and underlayers when I record.. c': I'll have to look for the technical differences between trumpets, bugles and cornets.. c: so far I've only been like "if it makes the sound I want, I'm a happy camper :D" edit : wait... internet seems to say bugles don't have pistons and cornets (and trumpets) do.. which means I have a cornet..? but the european instrument seller present them as bugles.. (in my case a Bflat Flugelhorn bugle..?) I'm actually so confused.. oh well T.T as I said, if it makes sounds.. eww.. some people in the medical fields, especially high up, it's not reassuring when they have big egos or anger issues.. I know the pressure is high but hm... :/ In my country there's a lot of stories flying around about medical abuse and violence, it makes me kinda scared of a lot of dr. but then, you can't be too picky either.. thanks for sharing all that anyway, c:
I.Have.No.Band
2025-03-03 15:10:29 +0000 UTCDefinitely deserved!!
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:54:36 +0000 UTCLove the way you put this. It really is a special film on a lot of different levels. That question is definitely a fascinating one, and I really like your perspective on passion. Finding fulfillment in something you love doing, rather than chasing recognition, is such a healthy and fulfilling mindset. The end was chilling and so layered. You absolutely nailed it- On the surface, it feels like triumph, but underneath it is deeply and truly tragic. I think that's why I felt ALL of the emotions during it. I was excited for Andrew, then I was sad that he was slipping into the madness, then Fletcher's chilling performance just had me stunned. Neiman may have stood up to Fletcher, but in doing so he ultimately proved him right. He cemented himself into the cycle of obsession. Fletcher got his "Charlie Parker" moment, and Neiman got his too, but at what cost? The implication that he is doomed to a sad and lonely fate makes this ending that much more heartbreaking and terrifying. Definitely a movie that sticks with you for a while. And for that reason, I loved it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:54:24 +0000 UTCSo true! He really doesn't have anyone else.. He has alienated himself for so long to get to this point. It makes that final descent into Fletcher's grasp feel even more inevitable now 🤯
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:49:46 +0000 UTCWow, I honestly didn't think about a few points you brought up here! Whiplash seems very deceptive in how it presents itself. I love that it sparks a lot of different interpretations as I've been reading through everyone's awesome perspectives while I drink some coffee this morning :) That final moment between Andrew and Fletcher was haunting. There's this illusion of triumph there, but when you really look at it, it's just a deeper entrenchment in the cycle of obsession and abuse. I completely agree that Andrew thinks he's defying Fletcher, but in reality, he just became exactly what Fletcher was trying to create the entire time. That look they exchange at the end really says it all. And wow, the director outright saying Andrew is doomed really does show how tragic all of this is. The cost of obsession is so often ignored because celebrating the 'greatness' that comes from it makes it invisible. A truly powerful reminder to stay grounded and not lost yourself in the pursuit of it all. I had no idea that J.K. Simmons was classically trained! That makes his entire roll feel that much more authentic. And Miles Teller absolutely crushed this role with his drumming. This was my first movie with him and I absolutely loved his performance! Really appreciate your insight as always! It usually add a whole new layer to films and I really appreciate that. See you in the next one! :)
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:49:03 +0000 UTCThis movie was definitely an intense experience! J.K. Simmons was on a whoooole other level and completely deserved that Oscar! That's very cool that your mom and sister loved watching figure skating during the Olympics! And honestly, no worries on remember the jump names lol. They all start to blend together after awhile. But an easy way to remember one is that an axel is the one where you take off facing forward! I'm glad I got to share some of myself in this one! It brought up a lot of awesome memories that I kind of forgot about. To think it's been 20 years since I've figured skated is crazy to think about... But I still enjoy it and it still feels like a huge part of me along with jazz!
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:43:48 +0000 UTCWow, so awesome that this was a first watch for you too! I understand completely why you avoided Whiplash at first. Fletcher is extremely brutal, and his methods are genuinely hard to watch. Especially for anyone who's had an authority figure like that in real life.. My father had real anger issues, and this reminded me of him in a few uncomfortable ways. It's terrifying how easily extreme behavior like that gets normalized, especially when you're young and just trying to push yourself to be the best you can be. No one should have to endure this kind of treatment in the name of 'greatness'. That said, I do completely agree that films like this are phenomenal even if they do induce an anxiety-like experience. The drum solo was also absolutely legendary and worth the entire experience! I love your list of drummers!!! Neil Peart is definitely a legend, and John Bonham's playing still blows my mind. Huge respect for Rick Allen also. I remember hearing his story and being in awe at his perseverance despite everything.
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:39:42 +0000 UTCThank you so much for recommending this with your movie ticket!!! There was so much to unpack in this one and I totally get why you love it so much knowing that you play the drums yourself. I'm not too familiar with what good drumming sounds like, but I got the jest that what Andrew was doing was legendary! Plus being in jazz band myself (obviously nothing like this hahaha) made it such an enjoyable and incredible watch for me personally, too! I'm not surprised that we interpreted the deeper parts of this film so similarly. And you put it perfectly: Fletcher's philosophy makes sense on some level, but his methods are so completely unhinged. He's not interested in teaching but finding that one diamond through pure and evil pressure, no matter how many people he destroys in the process. And yesss- the cost of that 'greatness' is usually ignored. Even if someone did survive his abuse, are they truly still whole? Or just one step away from total and complete combustion? I totally agree with what you're saying about balance in teaching like this. Praise without real feedback can definitely lead to complacency, but this type of brutality is just as damaging in the other direction. The best teachers know when to push and when to support, because they actually care about that person not just the end result. And that is definitely Fletcher's biggest flaw... He is only ever serving his own ego, not his student's true growth. Okay the final scene was INSANE. The whole movie definitely builds around that singular moment and it's such an awesome release of tension! I can totally see how you playing the drums would make this moment even more incredible to watch! I have no idea what was happening on those drums, but my jaw was still on the floor. I imagine Caravan must have hit so differently when you actually know what's going into that performance! And yesss, figure skating was such a huge part of my life until I was about 11 or 12. I quit because that's when my life got worse and worse with my parents. But I got super far and competed in the Junior Olympics before my final year! I even got to skate with Dorothy Hamill and Michael Weiss in a few random shows when they came to Washington DC! It feels like a whole lifetime ago now haha. Thank you again for this awesome and thrilling pick! I really enjoyed it and all of the deeper messages and music that went into it! 🩷
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:34:13 +0000 UTCYeah, this one was definitely a brutal watch and Fletcher's complete lack of remorse makes him all the more chilling and evil. I love your take on the tears- Not for Sean, but for his own 'failure' to mold a legend. Sick. It really speaks to how transactional his view of people is... He doesn't care about his students, only about his own legacy. The last scene shows that 100%. His smile over Andrew and feeding into his rhythm on the drums as if he owns them and holds power over every tap... This was directed SO well and the scene where it splits between him and Andrew. Andrew giving it his all on the drums but not listening really listening to Fletcher while it pans back over to Fletcher who is still trying to have control over him. So incredibly powerful. Fletcher's character was played so brilliantly that you just can't help but look away, even when you despise ever fiber of his being. And I played the cornet in jazz band! It's a smaller version of the trumpet :) I loved my time in jazz band so much, but wow am I so glad I didn't have a teacher like Fletcher haha. I have been in a few OR rooms during my time as an xray technologist when prosthetics were being flown around the room by angry surgeons tho. And I remember never wanting to step foot in his OR suite again.
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:23:07 +0000 UTCI gotta agree with you hahaha. Anything that induces nail biting in me is a horror because I neeeeever bite my nails 😖🤣
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:18:43 +0000 UTCTotally valid! It was definitely an intense ride. I found myself biting my nail which I NEVER do?
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:18:06 +0000 UTCAhh interesting take! I agree that Fletcher's methods might push someone to greatness, but at what cost? His teaching isn't about nurturing talent. It's about breaking people down, and only those that survive the abuse might come out 'better' (or I guess more accurately, hardened). But does that really make him a great teacher, or just an extreme filter for resilience? I think that's what makes this movie so compelling... It asks whether the end justifies the means, and whether true greatness comes from within or from external pressure.
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:17:39 +0000 UTCI agree! This one was intense, but definitely worth the intensity of the watch lol
Kali Wali
2025-03-03 14:15:52 +0000 UTCJ.K. Simmons won the Oscar for best supporting actor in this movie.
Andrew Roach
2025-03-03 09:12:47 +0000 UTCThis is a special movie, not at all the type of movies I normally watch, but i find it compelling. “what does it mean to be great” it’s a fascinating question for people with talent and ambition, not everyone necessarily faces this issue and my field of passion I don’t need to be greatest or most recognized nor do I have any desire to be because for me it’s about doing something that I really enjoy and as long others enjoy that’s enough. The ending is very complex for many reasons. Neiman stood up to Fletcher and proved himself but in the end he only proved Fletcher right that he needed that push for him to become “the next Charlie Parker” so in the end they both got what they wanted. It’s a good triumphant ending in the surface but more than that it’s a tragedy, Fletcher’s brutal methods have been validated due to Neiman’s success and Neiman, it’s somewhat implied in story and suggested by his actor, that whole he becomes great like the other musicians he mentioned he’s gonna die sad and alone.
Justin Garlington
2025-03-03 06:31:16 +0000 UTChm.. that was another tough watch huhuh.. Fletcher is so unapologetic, having people killing themselves is "necessary evil" to him. No remorse whatsoever, and the fact he adds "I've never had a Charlie Parker" means no matter how talentful Sean had been, he was a messed up draft to him. I'll go as far as saying when Fletcher cries in those scenes, those tears are not for Sean, or for regret, they're for his "failure" at making a great musician and I find him disgusting for that, maybe a little because he's afraid to lose his posts (power) at Shaeffer as well. So when he's extatic in the last scene, he's probably not happy for Neimann, he's happy for himself. He finally gratified his own god complex. Until Andrew falls himself anyway.. I'm sorry I have zero chill for this character but I still think he's played excellently. Very glad to hear about your experiences, clarinet is such a beautiful instrument c:
I.Have.No.Band
2025-03-03 04:33:30 +0000 UTCTo me, it makes sense that he would reach out to his ex at the end. He's about to perform, it's a big deal. Besides his Dad, who else can he invite? his own cousins don't understand his passion.
Mister Lou
2025-03-03 04:25:35 +0000 UTCYeah, this film is one of my favorite movies of all time. And it's genuinely deceptive with what the movie tells you, but also most people take away something different than what the director intended. The director essentially said in interviews this is meant to be one of the most epic/sad endings he possibly could. The thing about Andrew Neiman is... he is just like Fletcher. They share an obsession with perfection. And that's what I take away from this movie. It's not some triumphant movie about a passionate kid giving up everything to get success. It's a story about obsession, and what some people will do in the name of their obsession. Andrew being in this abusive relationship with Fletcher, it really almost feels like he's defying him there at the end. But think about this. Fletcher said all he wanted was his own Charlie Parker. And clearly he's been molding Andrew to become that. Because he sees the same obsession within him that he can manipulate. At the end, sure Neiman starts the song without Fletcher and performs a stunning drum performance that will surely land him success. But... that is exactly what Fletcher wanted. Thats why he was happy, and helped him fix his cymbal, he saw he was going for his moment. It's a tragic thing, the look they exchange at the very end of the movie. Neiman believes he's sticking it to his abuser, but really.... he's cemented himself in this cycle between them. When he finishes his solo, he looks at Fletcher, and waits to see what he thinks. Fletcher smiles and nods at him in approval, and only then does Neiman smile back. He's still locked in this cycle of abuse, looking for approval from him. The director has said that Andrew Neiman will die just like his father said at the dinner table, drunk, broke, and full of heroin in his 30s. You nailed it Kali. He "won" but at what cost? I think that wanting and striving for excellence is admirable. But obsessing over perfection? Perfection isn't real, and completely unattainable. Excellence is attainable. I look at both Andrew Neiman and Terrence Fletcher, and try to remind myself, to never let myself become either one of them. Thanks for watching this film Kali! J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller just kill it every time they're onscreen. Another fun thing, both of them have backgrounds in music, J.K. Simmons being classically trained, and Miles Teller having a drumming background, funnily enough. So the instrumental playing was done by the actual actors.
Lorenzo Baxter
2025-03-03 04:17:07 +0000 UTCWonderful reaction! Definitely an intense movie! Incredible performance by J.K. Simmons! Definitely deserved of the Oscar he won for his performance I also enjoyed hearing a little bit about your background in figure skating and jazz. I remember my mom and sister loved watching it during the Olympics when I was growing up. Couldn’t tell you the difference between a flip, salchow, and axel though 😉 Seriously though, I enjoy getting to know you a little better. And I think it will make me appreciate your future reactions even more Take care! Looking forward to the next one!
Robert da Spruce
2025-03-03 03:46:31 +0000 UTCI think you would be surprised by this, but this is a first time watch for me. I remember when it won some awards and I saw snippets of the film and the way J.K. Simmons character acted and I decided to not watch it because of his character being such an a-hole. Some people respond to tough love and harsh criticism, but I'm not one of them. I have never felt so triggered and so much anxiety in a movie before. With that being said, it was a great film and the drum solo at the end was epic but if Terence Fletcher actually existed, well, without saying some choice words, I would have nothing to do with him. I had a coach like him in High School as a sophomore in football, he got let go after that year because he almost killed a senior by running him so much that he collapsed from heat exhaustion. But when your 15 years old, you didn't know that wasn't "normal". I get a bit chatty sometimes, and I'm sorry but I want to say although Jazz is not my first choice for music, I do love some of it. I want to shout out some of my favorite all time drummers. Neil Peart from Rush, Danny Carey from Tool, John Bonham from Led Zepplin, also Travis Barker from Blink 182, The Rev from A7X, Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater, Stewart Copeland from The Police, Shannon Larkin from Godsmack, Dave Grohl from Nirvana, Taylor Hawkins from Foo Fighters and a special shout out to Rick Allen of Def Leppard, that lost an arm in a car accident and still figured out a way to play drums. I'm sure I am forgetting a couple of names in there so forgive if I missed someone. Whomever reads this can add any names if they want.
John A
2025-03-03 03:18:35 +0000 UTCI'd rather be in a room with the nun from Conjuring 2 over Fletcher. So 100% this is a horror movie LOL
M1 Maz
2025-03-03 03:00:53 +0000 UTCFirst off, thank you for watching this! Amazing reaction that I really enjoyed seeing! In short, we interpreted the characters and events in this movie very much the same way The conversation between Andrew and Fletcher in the Jazz club near the end is so sobering. Because it takes Fletcher from pure villain, and makes you go "well hang on... that actually does make sense". BUT, Fletcher is also insane. And even good intentions does not justify psychotic means. Fletcher's goal as a teacher, instead of it being to empower the masses to find their own potential (or even 'teach' for that matter), is to ONLY find the one. He doesn't care that he'll obliterate tens of thousands of stones under that pressure until he comes across the one that it turns into a diamond. For that goal, to find the diamond, his methods absolutely work, yeah. But at what cost? And how brittle is that diamond now on the inside? It looks great to those who look on to it, but when will it implode? But, I think there's a lot of good teachings in this film that we can apply to our own lives, if we look at it the right way. If we take the themes and motivations in this movie and boil off the extreme side of it. Fletcher's line about "good job" always stuck with me after this movie. Now don't get me wrong, I don't take it literal and see it applying to every situation, obviously. But constant praise, in situations where constructive feedback is warranted just breeds complacency and kills all potential for self-improvement. But, of course, that doesn't warrant how Fletcher acts. For the role of a real leader to empower, sometimes you have to be firm and direct, and sometimes you have to be warm and supporting. Fletcher is only one. It's about finding that right balance. Balance that all comes from wanting to actually see the other person succeed. Not like Fletcher's selfish ambitions to be the one that created the next great Oh and of course, have to call out the last scene haha. My favorite scene in any movie. For one, just because it's the point that we finally release all the built up tension from the whole movie, and it's just such a rush. And two, because I play drums, and Andrew's performance (along with the entire amazing Caravan), is just such a joy to watch! Also, I had no idea you figure skated at such a high level! That's so cool!!
M1 Maz
2025-03-03 02:59:31 +0000 UTCEverytime I see this movie get picked by reactors, I dread seeing the amount of people who'll justify abuse and bullying to maybe, in the end, obtain grandeur.. there's always a few and I'm so sorry for whoever they'll have an ascendent and power over.. The hill I'll die on is, I'd rather not have the next beethoven, the next chet baker, the next beatles or the next [insert your favourite, most meaningful timeless band/artist] if it means one, ten or a hundred, or a thousand people get to not give up on art or on life. it's a great movie, but I feel like it's always going to be in the family of those adored for all the wrong reasons by toxic people (looking at you, american psychos, fight clubs , full metal jackets and others..) first time I comment before watching the reaction hm.. all right, let's go c:
I.Have.No.Band
2025-03-03 02:10:25 +0000 UTCThis is a horror movie, change my mind. lol, 10/10 review to a 10/10 movie. its wild. Glad you enjoyed it.
Phil Tilly
2025-03-03 01:58:25 +0000 UTCI think this is a once in a lifetime movie for me. Meaning I've seen it once. I'm good. 😐
Chris Chatham
2025-03-03 01:32:13 +0000 UTCI think Fletcher teaching will absolutely lead to a prodigy. I also believe that it will eventually lead them to ruin which is exactly why his former student off himself. I also think Fletcher way of teaching is ironically the easiest and the lowest level of teaching. I mean is it truly hard to make a already gifted person amazing when you threaten them with mental and physical abuse all the time .
20 16
2025-03-03 01:13:58 +0000 UTCTop notch performances in this film, great pick for movie ticket.
Scott S
2025-03-03 00:35:50 +0000 UTC
