Fletcher is the drill sergeant of music school educators. He only wants to teach the most talented and determined students in the school. And if a student isn’t living up to Fletcher’s initial assessment, Fletcher won’t hesitate to remedy the situation by kicking the student out of his band. The problem with Fletcher’s teaching style is that not only is he a drill sergeant (which I’m sure many of us have come across teachers/professors who make heavy demands on their students), but he doesn’t hesitate in conducting psychologically warfare on his students. On Andrew’s first day with Fletcher’s band, Fletcher comes over and inquires in an inquisitive way about Andrew’s parents. He learns that Andrew’s mother left when he was just a young child. Well, within moments when Andrew doesn’t keep precise tempo, Fletcher goes on the attack with that information.
Of course, Fletcher might have hand selected a young student who is a mirror image of himself.
Andrew also isn’t above demeaning people. When at an extended family gathering, the focus goes to his cousins. One of them is playing Division III football (I believe this was high school, I could be wrong). Andrew quickly goes for the throat, making the justifiable argument that he’s on the path to success while his cousin will never get the opportunity to play in the NFL. A brutally honest assessment, but lacking in humility. He also breaks-up with his girlfriend, Nicole (Melissa Benoist), in a harsh way by telling her that she’s consuming his time, time that he needs to dedicate to his drums.
This movie is about the drive for success. You’d think that sure there will be drama associated with reaching for success, but you probably don’t understand the intensity that this movie brings to that subject. At times, you’re on the edge of your seat. Some of the most engaging moments come at the most unexpected scenes: no dialogue, musician practicing alone, seriously? Yes, actually.
This movie is also about psychological abuse. Yes, the movie focuses on Andrew, but I see Fletcher as the focal point. Fletcher’s style of teaching works on a handful, but it also sends most up the wall, diminishing their sense of self-worth. In one scene, Fletcher sets up a competition between 3 drummers: Andrew and two others. It is clear throughout the movie that Andrew is the most talented drummer in the school. It is obviously to the audience that Fletcher is trying to drive Andrew, but I think on a more subtle note there is cruelty towards the other two drummers. The other two drummers are just pawns in this game. It isn’t like Fletcher is bringing in another talented drummer who actually might compete for the position. In a way, it is a cruel passive aggressive way to indicate to the other drummers that they should find new careers.
There have been two really wonderfully movies about music this year: Whiplash and Begin Again. Begin Again is about the joy of creating music. Whiplash is about the potential toll to reach such creative genius. I really hope both receive Oscar considerations in various categories.
Here’s my one problem with the movie and potential spoiler alert: Andrew puts aside the drums for the summer. He later runs into Fletcher who invites him to join a JVC Jazz band. Somehow Andrew is in near top form after taking a few months away from the drums. I don’t care if you’re a top athlete, musician, politician, lawyer, doctor: I really don’t think that one can immediately return to top form and that is my one complaint about this movie. Yes, a nitpicking complaint.
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