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Whiplash film prompts “great” discussion

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Whiplash film prompts “great” discussion

The tension grew and emotions ran high as sweat flew from a grim, determined face. Blood ran down bandaged fists which skillfully and feverishly beat out a rhythm during the fast-paced performance of a jazz drummer, desperate for approval. This is not a movie to relax to.

The film’s title “Whiplash” seems to imply an event related to a violent vehicular accident. The implication is not too far off when it comes to the violent relationship between Terence Fletcher, music conductor and his drum prodigy, Andrew Neiman, who is aspiring to become a “great.” The NIC philosophy club sponsored the viewing on January 21.

“It’s one of my favorite movies,” said Jeremiah Serrell, 21, a philosophy major. “Its technical merit is beyond par. And philosophically, the themes of education are very clear and well presented.”

Discussion of the film, that the philosophy club held, followed the viewing. The questions addressed what it takes to become or teach a “great,” to what extent the teacher should push the apprentice, who is at fault for the deterioration of the student’s mental stability and more.

“I personally think it’s an example of the struggles to become a ‘great’, especially in the performing arts,” said Cailyn Knudtsen, 19, an education major. “It made me recognize parallels with my own dance experience. It took seeing this to realize that people think it [the teaching method] is ridiculous, when it’s actually the norm.”

The teaching method Knudtsen referred to is the harsh way in which the conductor in “Whiplash” taught his jazz drumming student by using controversial methods in which to push him to his limits, and then, seemingly overstepping his bounds and pushing him to a psychological edge.

The student/teacher dynamic is one of abuse as the conductor, Fletcher, hurled insults, threw chairs, and slapped faces. Yet because of Fletcher’s professional standing, Neiman continued to seek his approval as a condition of becoming a “great.”

Neiman has a breakthrough toward the end during the final jazz performance scene, which then begged the question: did the breakthrough come because of the teaching methods or despite them? The audience is left to ponder.

“The movie was exciting. I’ve been looking forward to seeing it for a while,” said Chris Moeglein, 21, a generals major. “It is an interesting look into the psyche of what drives someone—into how far someone will  go to succeed, not in the eyes of someone else, but in their own view.”

Hey! I'm Michelle, the Managing Editor for NIC's Sentinel. I love to read mysteries, write, ride horses (only the sane ones), and dance ballet. I was born in Music City, USA and have lived all across the U.S. Now I'm here, writing for the Sentinel. It's pretty cool, you should check it out!

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