Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash made its return to the big screen this September, marking its 10th anniversary. This 2014 psychological drama has earned its place as one of the best films of the 21st century and, as his debut feature, skyrocketed Chazelle’s career.
Though a decade has passed since its release, the film feels more relevant than ever. With mantras like ‘rise and grind’ receiving increasingly more attention and hustle culture on the rise, Whiplash serves as a powerful wake-up call, urging us to reflect on how we define success and where the limits of our ambitions should be drawn. While there is undoubtedly a growing emphasis on prioritising mental health and raising social awareness about its importance, in an era where success is constantly showcased on social media, the pressure to perform and prove one’s uniqueness is overwhelming. Films and series that explore themes of ambition and hard work resonate deeply with audiences; the recent success of The Bear, FX’s critically acclaimed series, is a testament to this.
Whiplash follows Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), a young jazz drummer who pushes his mental and physical limits in pursuit of greatness and perfection. With a passion teetering on the edge of obsession, his relentless drive is fueled by Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an influential conductor at the prestigious Shaffer Conservatory where Andrew is a student.
Despite Fletcher’s insulting and disrespectful teaching methods, Andrew is determined to earn his approval at any cost. He begins to alienate his loved ones and subjects himself to gruelling practice sessions that push him to the point of bleeding. Throughout the film, Andrew accepts these sacrifices—coldly breaking up with his girlfriend, his face devoid of emotion—because for him, there is nothing scarier than mediocrity. Andrew’s definition of success is clear, as he explains to his family: “I’d rather die drunk and broke at 34, with people talking about me at the dinner table, than live to be rich and sober at 90, with no one remembering who I was.”
As the story unfolds, we see Andrew pushing his limits to extremes while Fletcher belittles him and engages in both physical and verbal abuse. Finally reaching his limit, Andrew attacks Fletcher by throwing him off the stage during a performance and gets suspended from school. Eventually, Fletcher is also let go from Shaffer Conservatory following the suicide of a former student, which the student’s parents attribute to the trauma inflicted by Fletcher’s harsh teaching methods. In light of this, Andrew agrees to collaborate with the lawyers representing the parents in their legal case against his former mentor.
This intense power struggle culminates in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest endings in cinema history. Fletcher and Andrew reunite on stage when Fletcher invites him to perform at a jazz festival. Seeking revenge for Andrew’s role in his suspension, Fletcher tricks him into playing something he hasn’t rehearsed, leading to a humiliating moment in front of the audience; but Andrew defiantly takes control, leading the band with an explosive performance of the titular piece. Fletcher, who initially sought to destroy him, shifts from antagonist to collaborator as the performance reaches its peak. In the final moments of the film, Andrew delivers a flawless solo, and the film closes with a powerful, silent exchange of glances between the two.
The most intriguing aspect of this scene is how it has been interpreted by viewers. While Chazelle intended it to be a tragic moment—a portrayal of a character’s soul dying—many interpret it as a success story in which Andrew finally earns Fletcher’s approval and reaches the pinnacle of his drumming talent. This ambiguity in the finale’s interpretation is one of Whiplash‘s greatest strengths. The film doesn’t dictate what’s right or wrong; instead, it poses a question: How much are you willing to sacrifice to achieve greatness? Chazelle’s film perfectly captures the duality of passion and hard work—both admirable, yet accompanied by painful consequences. This conflict has been central to the director’s later films, including the beloved La La Land (2016) and his most recent Babylon (2022).
Ambition is a central theme in countless films and TV shows, often leading to powerful stories that explore the raw emotions of their characters. Whiplash and The Bear are prime examples of this, offering in-depth portrayals of protagonists whose self-worth is inextricably tied to their performance in their respective fields—Andrew in drumming, and Carmy in cooking. The minute something goes wrong in either area, they crumble completely. While we as viewers acknowledge their mental decline, we still want to see them succeed because the desire to achieve something so deeply and the frustration of falling short are universally felt. Both Whiplash and The Bear captivate with their intriguing cinematography, which vividly conveys the intensity of the characters’ emotions, alongside powerful performances that keep you hooked. But above all, they capture a deeply human experience: the relentless chase after one’s dreams.
Another common thread in these stories is the presence of a mentor who fuels the protagonist’s drive for perfection, often through extreme and harmful methods. Fletcher is cruel, and his teaching approach is abusive. However, as we learn in his late-night bar conversation with Andrew, his ultimate goal is to make his students the best musicians possible. He refuses to see others beyond his lofty expectations and it quickly becomes clear that Fletcher is also a victim of his own ambition and music is all he has left. We draw a similar conclusion from Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada—a glimpse into her shattered private life reveals the sacrifices she’s made in the name of hard work and status. Both Fletcher and Miranda’s manipulative and narcissistic behaviour forces us to reflect on the thin line between obsession and passion. Even if these mentors can push people to reach their full potential, we’re left questioning: Was it really worth it?
Today Whiplash remains incredibly relevant, perhaps even more so than ten years ago. With the current tensions on social media between the extreme productivity narrative and the growing emphasis on mental health, rewatching Whiplash in 2024 prompts us to reflect on these issues through the story of Andrew Neiman, putting the idea of success into perspective. Movies like Whiplash don’t prescribe a single path to fulfilment; instead, they challenge us to reflect on how we want our lives to be and where we are willing to draw the line in chasing our passions. The film’s lessons remain valuable today but it’s up to us to decide which ones to take to heart. Is Whiplash a story of triumph or tragedy? That depends on how we define what we truly strive for in life.
Words by Luiza Świerzawska
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