Week 10: Whiplash

Whiplash definitely is a new breath of air for me. I loved how the director showcased so many aspects of life in the movie that many other films were not able to capture. Although I might be biased by the fact that J.K Simmons was on it and he did a magnificent job in acting his role, this movie was actually one that I would watch again and again. I would also like to give credit to Miles Teller for playing the role 'Andrew', and hats off to his drumming skills. This movie questioned my life principle. I was raised to do everything in modesty and moderation, whereas this movie was the exact opposite of moderation where Andrew and Fletcher battled their life all-out for music and their passion. The question that raised in my mind was if moderation is good, would great people even exist if everything must be practiced in moderation?

As expected, this movie challenged my perspective of my belief that life should be lived in moderation. As a drummer and a fan of music myself, I certainly was able to relate to Andrew to a certain level where I understood his rage and passion for music, especially at such a teenage age where opinions of people mattered, which in this movie's case, it was his teacher, Fletcher. It was not about pleasing Fletcher, it was about Andrew respecting him as a musician and wanted to be at par with his expectations of a great musician. When I was in primary and secondary school, I was part of the school band. I played the guitar nonetheless, but although my parents were always supportive of me for playing, they would often remind me that everything that is at the end of the spectrum, like being an extremist even in practicing is not good. However, I wanted to be better than my friends, thus I understood why it was important for Andrew to get the part of the band's drummer.

Furthermore, movies like The Karate Kid played by Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan also promoted moderation in practicing and having balance in life to achieve success and happiness. This is showcased in the quote below:

物极必反

(Wu Ji Bi Fan), which meant too much of anything is bad. Whiplash, however, showcases the blood, sweat, and tears one goes through to become great and successful. Andrew even broke up with his girlfriend, just so he could be great. In my personal opinion, he was a selfish and arrogant person for doing so. This may also be because I honestly think love does not work in that sense. In my opinion, if a person truly loves another, then he or she would not stand in the way of the success of their other half, but instead be a supportive role and a part of their journey. Thus, the reason why I could not relate to Andrew in his actions, but as mentioned, Andrew is not a normal representative of the society, in the sense that who in their right mind would go to his extent of mental pressure and physical as well (such as walking away from an accident just to perform). However, Andrew, in my opinion, is stronger and far more full of rage that I am. Honestly, if I had a teacher like Fletcher, I would have left the second he slapped me in front of the class, but Andrew was so sure and he took it as a challenge to become a better drummer.

This movie is also more than meets the eye. What I liked about this movie was how strong it ended. There was no outro, conversation or summarization of what happened - it was just Andrew, his passion, his father and Fletcher's proud grin when Andrew finally stood up for himself in best possible manner and lead his own future. I am certain Fletcher had his doubts on Andrew just as Andrew did on himself. Although I disagree with Fletcher's authoritarian and violent way of conduct and teaching style, I cannot disagree that Fletcher and Andrew were meant for each other. Their relationship is far more complex, yet relatable in a sense where they both were not giving up on each other regardless, and that is what makes them special.

This movie showcased how Andrew was struggling. Through that, I realized that my effort is now puny as compared to Andrew's. Not stating I should be like him, but it made me think and reflect. In my opinion, as much as it was a struggle for Andrew, it was also a struggle for Fletcher, seeing his passion dies as he age as he called the current generation of jazz as the 'Starbucks Jazz' which is true. I agree with him, comparing to the old music, music nowadays is far simpler. It becomes more of a platform where everyone can become a part of the process- which lost its uniqueness and specialty. Not to say 'simple' is not good, but sometimes it does not show the skills that one has- if everyone could play it, what makes it different? I understood in that sense how Fletcher wanted to preserve and find great players like Andrew who is now at the verge of extinction I dare say as more stress occurs upon the world, people prefer to not have a hassle or create challenges for themselves. Nonetheless, challenges are what pushes one to the limit to achieve better.

For example, I am known to be a risk taker by my friends and my family. I find it as addictive because when I reach the end, I would discover things about myself that I barely even knew before. A recent example was when I was forced to work with people I did not like, I realized I had high patience and were able to cope well with managing people. If I were not in such position, I would not know that I could do so. Therefore, as I grew, challenges in life are what makes me wiser- I learn from the mistakes to become better.

All in all, I believe Whiplash taught me a lesson that I do not think I would be able to get from my personal experience, nor my friends due to our different beliefs and life choices.