Whiplash (v): to jerk or jolt (someone or something) suddenly, typically so as to cause injury. Also A masterpiece film  by design. Whiplash is a story of admiration that turns into obsession. 

The movie, While slow at first, built like the beating of a drum. At first it feels as if there is too much background information, but the end gives meaning to the beginning. 

The story line follows Andrew, played by Miles Teller, a drummer, who wants to be one of the greats, and his music professor, Terence Fletcher, played by J.K. Simmons.  Evidently, the story takes place in the New York Shaffer Conservatory (based on the Juilliard School of arts) in the 1960s.

Although I am no musician, I found myself relating to Andrew on many levels, preserving for something one may never achieve. Through literally blood sweat and tears we see Andrew become the greatest and worst person in his quest for success…

At one part of the film Andrew states. “I’d rather die drunk, broke at 34, and have people at a dinner table talk about me than live to be rich and sober at 90 and nobody remembers who I was” Andrew will die for what he lived for. Rather that is Music or to become one of the greats. Passion or fame is up to interpretation.

The end is one to be interpreted and leaves the viewer on their toes. Moved, dazed…   whiplashed.