Plot
Andrew Neiman is an eager young drummer who joins the prestigious band led by the famous Terence Fletcher. However he soon discovers that Fletcher’s standards are impossibly high, and to get his members to his standards he is both verbally and physically abusive.
Andrew then puts himself through a greuling training for months in order to appease Fletcher, but as his obsession for greatness grows, will he throw everything and everyone away?
Direction
Damien Chazelle’s second film, and first big budget is simply breathtaking in style and substance.
The use of colour palettes, especially yellows, greens etc that help convey characters emotions during encounters of the film. The yellow and orange hues are used to convey the passion Andrew has for his training, and for the almost evil nature of Fletcher. The greens and blues give a balance to the viewer, but still show the inwards pain that Andrew faces.
These are so subtle at times, that when Andrew briefly leaves the music world at one stage, the colours return to natural – giving the viewer brief reprieve from the negative vibes.
Cast/Characters
Miles Teller plays Andrew, the gifted drummer who joins Fletcher’s band. His journey from almost innocence (with the white shirt) in his first scene, to his decent to be just like Fletcher in his final (in his black suit) – is nuanced and subtle. Teller’s own drumming ability (and reported real life injuries just like Andrew’s is awe inspiring.
JK Simmons plays Fletcher, in is what is arguably one of the greatest performances put on film. His almost apathy at times, that leads to downright monstrosity in his training is sensational – and Simmons earns his Oscar easily. Ironically Simmons himself was trainging to become a maestro at one stage in his life, and like Teller music was in his blood too.
Paul Reiser plays Andrews father, who plays a supportive role in Andrew’s life. I felt this was one area that could have been played better, and I would have loved an interaction between himself and Fletcher. Melissa Benoist plays Andrew’s brief love interest who he dismisses for his real passion – his music. If I was to be overly critical, I don’t really feel that this arc did much to the narrative of the movie. Had it been a little longer, then they could have fleshed this part out.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
Music is the primary theme to the film, as Andrew obsesses with being a top musician.
The training sessions inflicted by Fletcher to not just Neiman but also his other bandmates is nothing short of torture in its brutality. Neiman litterally bleeds at times in order to better himself (Teller himself apparently suffered similar injuries).
The overall relationship between the two men is not without conflict as Andrew desperately wants the approval of Fletcher. At times Fletcher becomes almost human, showing genuine emotion – however these are seen to be not the case – especially two moments in particular.
Overall
Absolutely stellar film – with brilliant techniques with the colour pallets used to help with character emotions. The performances by the two leads are brilliant, but it is JK Simmons who steals the show in his Oscar winning role.
A very strong recommend, and easy top score.
5/5
If you’re able to, please “buy me a coffee”
Ryan's Movie Reviews 