Whiplash

This movie gave me anxiety. It was very good. I could have sworn it just came out, but it's over 10 years old now and I guess I just missed it initially. It's about a young drummer and his abusive teacher/conductor. It was fascinating and tense the whole way through and set up an interesting philosophical question about how greatness can or should be achieved and encouraged. As someone who was berated as a child for any hint of "mediocrity," a word I still loathe, I don't think the berating is the way to go. Life is short and being great is overrated. Maybe this is the opinion of a mediocre person. I now actively trying to stop myself from overachieving. Maybe this is a gen x thing. Anyway, "Whiplash," excellent movie, outstanding J.K. Simmons and the kid on the drums, Miles Teller. I am sure they both learned some music for the purpose of this film. Always remember Tom Hulce had to learn to play piano behind his back in his role as Mozart.