The climax of Whiplash (2014) is energetic and resounding. And more importantly, it doesn’t play it safe, much like the protagonist himself.The humiliation that precedes his final performance has stripped Andrew (Miles Teller) of all inhibitions and confinements, and now he has nothing else to do but prove that his rightful place is on the stage. What seems like it could turn into an outburst or a garish act of revenge, unexpectedly becomes something quite hard to label.The finale also serves as the moment for which the film saves its most potent questions. Of course, not just about the music but about control, ambition, and what people would trade in exchange for singularity.Andrew’s act of launching into his final solo is an act of open defiance. With this act, the dynamic between them shifts from mentorship to ownership. And that shift is where the ending derives its energy from.To a common eye, the ending might look like a regular high-powered climax, but it’s much more nuanced than that. And that’s because of the peculiar choices buried inside it.Fletcher’s Motives Leading into the FinaleThe relationship between Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) and Andrew is marked by persistent temperamental volatility. There is a lot of bad blood between them. What Andrew sees as Fletcher’s bullying, Fletcher considers as exacting mentorship necessary for creating true talent.Fletcher is aware of Andrew’s testimony against him that resulted in Fletcher getting fired from his position at the prestigious Shaffer Conservatory. So when he warmly invites Andrew to play...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Yesterday