A movie about jazz drumming doesn’t immediately sell itself as the most dazzlingly engaging prospect. However, writer/director Damien Chazelle has put together something truly exciting with "Whiplash," which created a buzz at Sundance, continued the noise at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, and is now heading to the Toronto International Film Festival where it will likely continue the beat of strong praise from critics.
Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons are the one-two punch leads of this drama, about an ambitious young jazz drummer who aspires to be the best, but finds himself tested emotionally and physically by his teacher and mentor. It looks like powerful stuff, with our critic in Park City noting that the filmmaking and performances are "full of bravado and swagger," which is certainly in evidence here. (And in case you’re wondering, yes, Teller really does play the drums.)
"Whiplash" opens on October 10th. Watch below.
