Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons Star in ‘Whiplash’

Juliana Jurenas

The grueling reality of an aspiring musician is writ large in “Whiplash,” a new drama hitting theaters Friday, Oct. 10. Premiering at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, “Whiplash” collected enough nods to get picked up by Sony Pictures Worldwide.

Writer Damien Chazelle’s screenplay has traveled a long road.  He originally conceived “Whiplash” as a feature but condensed it into a short to generate interest from producers.  This gamble has clearly paid off as the feature screenplay is already generating Oscar buzz.

The story centers on Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller), a talented young drummer looking to perfect his skills at a prestigious music conservatory. Taken under the wing of Terrence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), a tyrannical teacher looking to get everything and more out of his students, the film takes us through Neyman’s transition from a young, hopeful boy to an obsessive psychopath.

The two stars develop a believable, tortured relationship on the screen that has viewers questioning the value of “practice makes perfect.”  Simmons’ maniacal performance is mesmerizing, and critics are predicting an Oscar nomination for the seasoned actor.  Taking over the role originally played by Johnny Simmons in Chazelle’s short, Teller has certainly grown since his unassailable performance in “Rabbit Hole,” a devastating film about a family who loses a son. More recently, Teller has moved into the Hollywood spotlight from his work in the well-received movies “The Spectacular Now” and “21 & Over.”  Rounding out the cast is “Glee” star Melissa Benoist, playing a strong-willed girl who watches Neyman’s transformation into someone she can hardly recognize.

“Whiplash” tells a story common to young musicians all over the world who hope to survive off their music alone. Yet the addition of a relentless teacher blind to the damage inflicted by his grueling methods makes this story a cautionary tale.  A viewing of “Whiplash” may make you think twice before enrolling your child in those piano lessons.

“Whiplash” opens at multiple Los Angeles theaters on Oct. 10.