Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Whiplash (2014)

What is it about? 

A gifted drummer enrolls in one of the most prestigious music conservatories in the world where his desire to be great is met and mentored by an instructor who stops at nothing to bring out his potential. 

Who is in it?

Miles Teller - Andrew Nieman

J.K. Simmons - Terrence Fletcher

Favorite Scene: 

After Fletcher brings a third drummer into the folder for an upcoming part, he has the three drummers battle well into the middle of the night to decide who will win it. In reality, Fletcher was simply using the other two drummers to push Andrew. 

Favorite Quote:

"There are no two words in the English language more harmful than "good job".

"So, imagine if Jones had just said, "Well, that's okay, Charlie. That was all right. Good job." So Charlie thinks to himself, "Well, sh*t, I did do a pretty good job." End of story. No Bird. That to me is an absolute tragedy. But that's just what the world wants now. And they wonder why jazz is dying."

Review: 

I absolutely love Whiplash. Upon one viewing, it skyrocketed to my list of favorite movies. I know that's high praise immediately in the review, but this film was absolutely terrific. 

First, let's talk J.K. Simmons who is by far the most important reason to watch Whiplash. An excellent, excellent job in his role as intimidating instructor, Terrence Fletcher. Quite frankly, it's up there with one of the greatest performances I've ever seen. No, hyperbole. Really - ever - seen. 

My greatest draw to the film is in fact the character of Terrence Fletcher and his psychological edge. Especially, when the only smile he breaks while conducting was in Andrew's last performance. It really makes you wonder, was Fletcher really a cruel person? Or a mad genius?

Then of course comes the cinematography and camera angles that lend to the personality of the film, making it personal, and grips you towards the struggle of both men and they look to find something deep within that has zero measure - Andrew's unique drive and passion. 

All in all, my words can't do this justice. Absolutely a favorite of mine. 

Review: 5/5 What did you expect?
Labels:

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...
Read more

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 2/15/26

Sunday Sundown Rundown returns! Going forward, I'll be sharing thoughts and ponderings in a format of three simple thoughts, opposed to the former "3 Up, 3 Down" of the past.   Mother of Savannah Guthrie I haven't been closely following the developments. I've checked in here and there, mostly hoping that this horrific story comes to an end. I simply continue to sympathize with concern, as not only are the emotions of having one's mother kidnapped for ransom more than enough to bear, but to have it played out publicly, before the nation, helplessly, is an unfathomable reality to understand. And of course, as all things in this culture, the story has been manipulated, pulled apart, and coerced into political representations that are not true, or at the very worst, worthy of discussion considering that someone's life - a person's mother - is at stake.  Winter Olympics It's not my favorite. Summer Olympics are my jam. Nonetheless, this Winter Olympics...
Read more