wow, it's really great to see this level of quality from such a small UA-camr because when you inevitably blow up it'll be even better. this video has a super nuanced perspective. Great job.
inevitably blow up? SORRY BIG GUY BUT IVE SEEN 20 UA-cam CHANNELS BETTER THEN THIS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS NEVER BLEW UP. GOOD VIDEO THOUGH.
I don’t think 2 thousand people is small. I think our perspective of large amounts have been blown out of proportion from UA-camrs with 100 million+ subscribers. Not many people can or will ever gather 30k people (current views) in a single place. 30k people is an insane amount of people. 30k is such an inconceivable number when it comes to individual people living their lives and all stopped to watch this video. With that in mind I don’t think this is such a small UA-camr.
The look Neiman and Fletcher give each other at the end means one thing: Andrew has sold his soul to the devil, and now he's locked in this toxic dance with Fletcher for good. Even if they never see each other again, Fletcher is now a part of Andrew's psyche. He lives within Andrew rent free. He's the destructive inner voice that Andrew will always hear in his moments of self doubt. Andrew gave himself up. Now all that's left, is Fletcher. What makes anyone think that their relationship will now be characterized by mutual respect and warmth? The smile? How does anyone think that the smile is not just another heart breaking liar's promise? It's the little addictive hit of dopamine that Fletcher uses, and has used all along like a true sociopathic abuser, to keep Andrew as his puppet, through whom Fletcher can now live vicariously. Andrew didn't win, Fletcher did.
not entirely, neiman didnt obey him completely in the end portraying how you have to have some agency to achieve greatness, obviously its the writer's perspective and it doesnt really prove to be tru and cant be proven either way
While most people aim to "endure some difficulties now to attain success and happiness later, and to live a comfortable life," in this situation, you need to disregard the happiness and comfort, persisting in your dedication to the work. In simpler terms, envision someone who never stops working hard, even if it means giving up their own happiness and comfort for their craft. This level of commitment is so strong that it could be compared to the devotion of a prophet. Many individuals pursue success with the expectation of ultimately enjoying a comfortable life. However, in this case, it's about continuing to work diligently without expecting happiness or comfort in return. This realization might lead most people to understand that what they idealize isn't necessarily what they genuinely desire or can endure.
Exactly. I didn't watch the film yet, but it seems like this guy wants to be the master of his craft. He doesn't want to simply be successful. He wants to create something of value and br remembered as a genius. For this kind of goal he needs a totally different approach.
I think it's neat that the director intended the ending to be strictly tragic, but roughly half or more of viewers still managed to misconstrue it as glorifying the grindset. It just goes to show how finely Chazelle road the line between passion and cult-like obsession. Greatness requires sacrifice and, to some degree, it demands obsession. Alas, obsession can lead one to sacrifice the things which define them, the things that matter.
This video is GOLD. WOW I love Whiplash and have watched countless videos about it. You brought up so many points that bigger UA-camrs haven’t even touched on.
The fetishization of success. The misinterpretation of the film and false glory. Everything was so well said. This video is so much more than an analysis for a film. It made me reflect on my perception of success and how fear drives us all. I want to see more videos from you. I just loved it.
One of the most telling scenes is when fletcher is alone with an old student and his little daughter and he says he hopes she plays in his classroom some day. And it's like NOOOO
Yo this channel is incredibly underrated. This is edited and formatted like a video that would get millions of views. I will definitely be sharing this for sure. Keep up the great work and i'm sure you'll find *success* at youtube lmao.
The best analysis video I’ve seen on whiplash, the points you talk about are all worth thinking about and analyzing, great video and just shows how good whiplash is
I’ve always loved the fact that everyone, inside the film and out, pronounces his name Neeman because Fletcher does, even though Neiman himself pronounces it Nayman, as a symbol of Fletcher’s power over him
People whose ends justify the means are dangerous. But the question is, at what point those the mean kill the end? At what point does the pursuit starve you to death. If you want success, you have to be best for yourself. Then no one can deter you, or break you.
Amazing video. This movie will always be special for me. As a musician myself, both the beauty and the destruction resonates deeply within me. I think choosing this path for your life will always bring unimaginable highs and devastating lows since all we try to do is to practice even better than yesterday and play an even better concert.
You touched on one point that deserves much more discussion nowadays: People are making "interpretations" of media by said media face value, which is the same as saying that they are not interpreting anything. Most of the time people take parts of media out of context and use it to validate their point of view. This is why some creators are making media, more and more direct, with less metaphors and complexity. It's crazy that people worship Patrick Bateman, the movie goes out of its way to showcase the emptiness of his life and his emptiness, he is portrayed as someone jealous and stingy, yet people take out of context the characteristics they like (his misogyny, yeah these guys...) and go for it. Even Fight Club, a movie much more concerned with criticizing consumerism and capitalism, becomes just what it is at face value, kinda of a wake-up call to rescue manhood or something. I never was too fond of any art that is razor thin, but today I understand movies like The Platform, the message is loud and clear because the movie knows that the audience nowadays is dumb as fuck. Whiplash is a great example, but your video covers up pretty well its themes, so I will not extend the discussion here...
Exactly. Idiocracy, the Boys and Don't Look Up are also good examples of this. Although they slam their messages over your head, I think the people that need to internalize them most simply dismiss them. People, for the most part, will believe what they want to believe. Their mind can be changed if they decide to have a open mind but that is rare.
this movie reminds me of a topic that I've never seen anyone mention when referring ot this film the toxic champion mentality there's a few videos about that topic but they're all mostly about sports but I think Whiplash represents that topic way better than most sports movies could the idea that being having this mentality not only guides you but also kind of becomes a huge reason of your success. even adapting an alter ego along the way just to be able to separate their life from their sport for example, Kobe channeled the black mamba for handling basketball while Kobe handles his irl problems. on another note, Sugar Ray Leonard shadow boxed before every fight in front of a mirror and if he saw Sugar Ray looking back, he could not lose the fight. but if he saw average Ray Leonard looking back, he's at a disadvantage. Mike Tyson was even hypnotized as a kid to make him more focused. There's a lot of these in boxing unsurprisingly.
I feel validated watching this video. My friend wanted me to watch it…he said that it was “inspirational”. When I watched it, the inspiration was lost on me. I just felt kind of sad at the end. It’s important to enjoy the journey in life just as much as you’ll enjoy the ends. Most of life is made up of the “journeys” anyway. Going through hell for years for a moment of glory is no way to spend life.
I always thought the ending was happy because Andrew finds his own way. He comes back a defies Fletcher after having ruined his career, he doesnt care about his approval anymore. He also runs back on stage after his dad tries to comfort him to quit. It seems to me like he is finally taking control of his own life, his passions and so on, and that makes it the happy ending.
I agree. Everyone says it’s sad. But I am highly motivated in ways similar to what whiplash portrays. Because we don’t know what happens next. We do not know if he never plays with Fletcher again, and pursues a slower life because he already found his peace. Or if he stays in the cycle of “trauma” so why does it have to be sad? The movie is great, and is truly interesting. I have Dr. friends in the psychology field and these are the conversation we get into
@@LEX.IBA333 I think most see the ending as tragic (not sad) due to to the fact that Neiman does fall back to Fletcher. The end of the movie shows Neiman finally getting the recognition that he's been searching for from Fletcher, and in the process allows Fletcher to regain control. The look on Neiman's father's face should say it all really. Also, the director stated that he believes that Neiman does die an early death.
@joaks1969 The thing about art is that it can be interpreted how ever the viewer sees fit. everyone thinks that because he went back, it means "he's stuck back with fletcher," but as someone who is driven to a similar insane level, I can tell you that as soon as I accomplish MY GOAL I'm done with that. I might partake at a later time, but it doesn't mean I will be stuck in a loop of whatever.
@@LEX.IBA333 Yes, but there’s also a debate surrounding to what extent unintentional interpretations are valid and acceptable. Art is a form of communication. If you convey a message to someone and they gravely misinterpret it, that doesn’t mean the point of your message is suddenly overridden by their perspective. Whiplash is very clearly a cautionary tale, which is solidified by: 1. The frown the father gives at the end (that some people somehow see as pride?) 2. The hopeful look Andrew gives *toward Fletcher* still searching approval. If these two moments did not exist, I’d say seeing the ending as happy would make sense.
@addyvalencia meh. I am sometimes impressed by things but have a constant, serious face. I usually have to verbally tell friends and family that I am happy, excited, and/or proud of them. The frown you mention is interpreted differently because there are more ways than one to communicate something, and a single facial expression isn't always reliable (take sarcasm, for example). I do understand what you're saying, but as someone who did sports at a high level during and after college, I also lean/ am biased towards this level of pressure and "Do Better" Mentality.
@@latarax hey man anything to help out an earnest content creator. Rather have quality stuff like this on my timeline than half the garbage the algo sweeps up and shows me these days.
This gave me a whole new perspective. Awesome stuff. I feel like a lot of this kind of thing can relate back to childhood… Andrew feels some innate sense of inadequacy because his mother left, and the desire for a strong parental figure. He had a somewhat apathetic father who loved him no matter what, but was very lax. But Andrew clearly thrives when pushed… he needed tough love from a parent. I see Fletcher as stepping into that role in a very unhealthy way for both of them. Clearly Fletcher has always been so obsessed with music he never had kids of his own and treats his students almost the way an abusive parent would. And wanting the one “special” student might have been his way of searching for that connection.
This reminds me of creative writing class. I had to do one story and the class has to give their opinion. Each classmate had a different idea of what I was trying to do and most were completely the opposite of what I wanted to say. So I can relate.
great video and message! I actually agree with the Whiplash director, if a misinterpretation makes someone enjoy the movie more it isnt a bad thing, although its always good to try to understand what is the real message of a movie and different perspectives :) +1 sub
This video was really important for me to see, and I think it is important for our society as a whole. It seems this society is really focused on more and higher, rather than better and fuller sometimes.
Two there should be; no more, no less. One to embody power, the other to crave it......When you are ready to claim the mantle of Dark Lord as your own, you must do so by eliminating me. -DARTH BANE
I think a great takeaway from whiplash is that life ought not to be seen as teleological. To set yourself up for some sort of final idealized self or accomplishment is, in my opinion, only a guaranteed way to become an unhappy person. Seeing life as something that just flows and enjoying that journey, without expectations of a final status to achieve - that is living.
I've seen a lot of takes like this one. This one is probably one of the best. My only question is - can anyone show greatness at that level that was acheived without the struggle or grind?
Good question. There are definitely those that put in the work without publicizing the blood, sweat, and tears that go into the process. All just comes down to how much of their brand/ego relies on people THINKING that they work hard.
it's of resentment, like, tu m'as tellement saoulé jle fait ce truc de performance, pas pcq j'en avais envie, pas pcq j'en suis capable, juste pcq l'environnement me saoule, et le coach c'était juste un entrainement pr renier sa softness et brutaliser la détermination pour en faire un robot, et c'est ça que je vois comme resentment, genre je voulais juste y arriver et j'ai été bait par la société qui m'a tourné en semi coeur de robot semi coeur humain, genre bah vasy mtn jsuis un robot a moitié mais flm
Steely Dan I think is the perfect example of "grinding 'till perfection". Ironically, Donald Fagen (One of the 2 core members of Steely Dan) Didn't like this film, nor Lala Land. Steely Dan had 2 core members from 1974ish until 2017. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were the 2 behind it all. They pretty much ran the band from the 3rd album and forward. Those guys were EXTREMELY picky and were perfectionists. They worked their musicians and engineers like dogs just to get a song to perfection. The most popular story of their sessions was for the recording of their album "Aja". That album is there best, in my opinion. And it shows. Peg's guitar solo session is the most famous story. They went through 8 different guitarists to get that solo down to perfection. Then they finally got the great Jay Graydon on the recording, but he also spent +9 hours just getting that solo down to their tastes. The track Home At Last had an assistant engineer, named Lenise Bent, who spent 6 hours just doing overdubs for the lyrics "Well The" in the track. Donald Fagen would always stress onto her that it had to be perfect. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are, in a way, Fletcher himself. They weren't abusive to their musicians, but they made sure it was PERFECT. Some of their musicians did experience extreme burnout working with them. Mark Knopfler has a whole story about spending 1 whole day recording a 15 second long guitar intro for them. Jeff Porcaro was a reoccurring drummer for them, and he said they were pushing him so far to the point he was going damn nearly insane. But in the end of one working on one of the songs for Gaucho, they couldn't get the perfect take so they just snipped and sliced all 46 of his drum takes to try make it perfect. There really is no point of me saying all of this. Just figured I'd shine light on a duo that strived for perfection on every single song they made.
Thanks for the insight! I've only listened to Steely Dan sparingly but was semi aware of their perfectionist attitude. It's really interesting to see how seriously some people consider the minutiae of their work, and how for others it's just a paycheck. Thus is life 😌
Awesome video with shockingly not enough likes or comments! And if this video is any indication of the channel, then you my friend do not have enough subscribers. But now you've got one more. As this topic was meaningful enough for you to make this video on, please consider my suggestion to you to read Frankenstein. It's beautifully written and came to mind as I watched this video. Thank you for making it.
I know the story is a tragedy, but there's one thing that makes the ending also inspiring: Greatness was achieved. That moment in the end was greatness, even if Andrew never plays again, even if Fletcher remains forever playing in a bar. Greatness is sometimes ephemeral, but it is still a treasure. They both got that moment they were searching for... Is a lifetime of struggle worth a moment of greatness? Well that's the real question here...
The best essay I’ve seen on my favorite movie of all time. Thank you for this. Question: who then is, in your opinion, a positive archetype of success in movies?
We all enjoy the iPhone. We enjoy genius music and the Bulls winning year after year. I think it a little hypocritical to enjoy all these things and also critize those who sacrifice so much to achieve them. Everything has a price, and this is the prize of greatness. It is not for everyone, but that is precisely the point. I don't think the protagonist "sold his soul", that seems a little dramatic for me. I think he sacrificed most of his life in the pursuit of one single thing. It's his choice to make, and it's his idea of a successful life. Overall good video-essay.
I have a really low understanding of movies because I didn’t watch many growing up but the ending is literally them losing their mind and you don’t even know how real it is I don’t know how you can see it as them making it unless you didn’t watch the film really
I think you missed the implications of the ending. The end of the film does imply that Andrew has finally reached levels of greatness and he's made it to the top. It's still depressing though, because he did it at the cost of his sanity and well-being. He's lost a part of his soul because of Fletcher and will most likely also die young as a sad empty shell of a person like Charlie Parker.
Eckhart Tolle, put it best: " When you are in the grip of such a mindset, you will see only what you want to see. You will hear only what you want to hear... And then misinterpret it.' That's what you accuse the success-driven others of in this video Review. The question is, can you understand why they would say you are blinded in the opposite way?
" At what point is the art worth the artist?" That Is entirely to be determined by the artist himself, Certainly not his parents, And certainly not the world of today with its post modernist take on success, In which some of us have the conceit to tell others what the definition of a balanced life should be. 😊
@@retroguyst8132 he’s not admonishing the movie or saying not to burn yourself for your ideals, just that you can draw a line like not letting your music teacher slap you
@@IKMTIrr I recognize that. And I appreciate your dialog. :) All I was trying to add to the conversation is that our culture has a tendency to decide for others what their definition of "success" should be, what their definition of "abuse" should be, and so on. I'm contending that as an individual, one should decide this for oneself, and not be swayed by "the collective."
@@retroguyst8132 what he’s doing as an individual is also contesting not only that you don’t have to kill, be abused or sacrifice your loved ones for the approval of a crazy instructor, the love and admiration of the sheep or the money and wealth to buy things that have been lended artificially value by society Appreciate hearing your side too, I dislike one sided condemnation of things cause there no definite way to live
It's really sad to see that you've made such an incredible analysis of the movie, and yet there's people in the comments that are completely missing the point in the face of their own empty principles making me question whether they even watched the full video or not. As for my own thoughts, I really like how the ending is left ambiguous. We know Andrew finally reaches levels of greatness and makes it to the top at the cost of his sanity and well-being, but we're left to wonder what will happen after. Will Andrew become the next Charlie Parker and die young as an empty shell of a person or will he be able to free himself from Fletcher's influence and take back control of his life? It's just left in the air.
As Goggins says this path is not for everyone. And that is not romantic and should be taken with caution. You need the dawg tho when you get started but you have to learn to control your mind and stop taking pleasure from self-hatred and self-limiting life to you.
The movie is like Taxi Driver. Both of them are stories about self-destruction with fake happy endings. Taxi Driver makes it look Travis will always be seen as a hero by people and got the girl he wanted. The truth is he is still an unstable sociopath who will blow up again over something else. Whiplash makes it look like Andrew has “made it” and will be seen as his own famous drummer. The truth is he is still a desperate man with Stockholm syndrome who will continue to allow himself to be Fletcher’s bitch. They will still suffer the same problems despite getting what they want.
The director of whiplash even came out and said that the ending wasn't supposed to be happy so I'm glad you got it. This has been one of the most misunderstood movies I've ever seen.
As I see it now. Andrew is a broken person, with a chip on his shoulder. Not yet developed any self-worth besides music. Thinking that if he is not the greatest drummer, he is worthless to the world. Then there is the teacher in Simmons character, that also is a broken character. He derives his value, from other people's success. That's a toxic relationship between two broken people. They both have gained nothing, but the validation in the short term.
The ending is actually a tragedy. So Fletcher took this band to a high end clientele for approval and more less a "second chance" for his reputation. Andrew was not so much invited to this. So he decided to ruin Fletcher once and for all, basically he'll go down and be 'blacklisted' as well (Andrew) but the performance turned out to be captivating, and Fletcher approved of the talent as well even though they weren't scheduled to do so. Thus yes great performance but the industry would probably eyeball them out of any prestigious jazz appearances in the future.
Andrew was chasing fletchers approval because he is the “recognized” artist whereas Andrew feels like a nobody. He saw success as something that he is given rather than self acceptance. Recognition from others is the toxic driver in this movie.
hey man i have literally no idea what you've been through/may be going through, but I hope you know that its never too late to start over. We as humans fail all the time, and its totally normal. ur not alone, and i hope things will be okay for u
CORE MESSAGE: SUCCESS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED AND WEAK-MINDED. BASICALLY: A VICTIM-MENTALITY DIRECTOR, COMPLAINING ON HIS FILM, ABOUT TOUGH-LOVE MENTORS.
I find your approach to assume that the audience missed the point just because they admire the protagonist who is supposed to be "bad" like in "American Psycho" or "The Wolf of Walt Street" to be condensing
Thanks for watching! I don't assume the audience missed the point, I quoted the director of the film saying that the audience diverged from his own intent. I don't think it's condescending to point that out :)
I couldn’t disagree more. People are all different and what works for some one else may not work for another. Most people cannot understand that it isn’t fletcher’s fault some one else taking their life. Sean could have left fletcher’s program whenever. This is a genuinely weak point of view where this MAN, not boy, had no choice and was just ruthlessly abused at no choice of his own. Sad. Everyone is a victim in this comment section.
So let me get this straight. You want to cry and moan about the people who are willing to sacrifice their existence to be the best? ' It's unhealthy, it's toxic, it's not worth it, boohoo ' It's not worth is to YOU. Because you'd rather be comfortable. Without people like that. You wouldn't have pro sports, professional musicians, Oscar winning actors/directors. You wouldn't have cars, phones, a military, YOU WOULDNT EVEN HAVE A COUNTRY IF IT WASNT FOR PEOPLE LIKE THEM. Leave you're moaning and griping to the weak. Whiplash and stories like it are for the strong.
Thanks for watching! I appreciate you trying to "get this straight", but I think perhaps you missed the point I was trying to make. Let me elaborate. My point was that Whiplash is interpreted through a lens which it advocates for the reverse of. Striving for success, pursuing excellence; these are of course noble pursuits. But the irony is in how the characters in Whiplash fail to achieve ANY of these markers of success but are still seen as aspirational figures to some, simply because they "work hard". I think there are very few things more valuable than honest to God hard work. Just because I mention the word "toxicity" doesn't mean I don't believe in the virtue of putting your heart and soul into something. But make no mistake, every man has their breaking point. No matter the outward display of machismo, there is always a point where the straw will break the camel's back. There is no shame in acknowledging that, that is simply what makes us human. And to deny that is simply an expression of hubris.
I agree with your point of view and believe in the same philosophy as you, but there is no reason to be so horrible and harsh due to someone contrary belief, your falling into the exact toxic condescending mindset he spoke about.
@@lataraxbut the main characters in Whiplash do hot those areas. Andrew becomes great, while showing he can be his own person if he wants. Fletcher gets his great. And he can absolutely use that to continue teaching greats. Which the film already showed he could do by the fact he was held in such high regards for years and clearly still was after losing his job.
The ending of this movie is so good, it slips your mind that the villain won.
When I first saw the ending it felt like it ended so abruptly but with that in mind there really was no other way to end it.
It didn't too me.
Thanks for the spoiler...I was just making up my mind to watch the movie
@@MD10559 What's the matter with you? Movie is 10 years old + you're literally watching a video on it. That's on you, dude
Yes, Andrew won.
wow, it's really great to see this level of quality from such a small UA-camr because when you inevitably blow up it'll be even better. this video has a super nuanced perspective. Great job.
Hope you're speaking it into existence! Thanks for watching
inevitably blow up? SORRY BIG GUY BUT IVE SEEN 20 UA-cam CHANNELS BETTER THEN THIS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS NEVER BLEW UP.
GOOD VIDEO THOUGH.
@@TheMostSubsChannel is the all-caps really necessary?
I don’t think 2 thousand people is small. I think our perspective of large amounts have been blown out of proportion from UA-camrs with 100 million+ subscribers. Not many people can or will ever gather 30k people (current views) in a single place. 30k people is an insane amount of people. 30k is such an inconceivable number when it comes to individual people living their lives and all stopped to watch this video. With that in mind I don’t think this is such a small UA-camr.
Fr
I wrote a Whiplash essay for my english class on the same topic and I found your video after. Really interesting perspective
Thanks for watching! I think I wrote about Whiplash for school at least a couple of times as well
The look Neiman and Fletcher give each other at the end means one thing: Andrew has sold his soul to the devil, and now he's locked in this toxic dance with Fletcher for good. Even if they never see each other again, Fletcher is now a part of Andrew's psyche. He lives within Andrew rent free. He's the destructive inner voice that Andrew will always hear in his moments of self doubt. Andrew gave himself up. Now all that's left, is Fletcher. What makes anyone think that their relationship will now be characterized by mutual respect and warmth? The smile? How does anyone think that the smile is not just another heart breaking liar's promise? It's the little addictive hit of dopamine that Fletcher uses, and has used all along like a true sociopathic abuser, to keep Andrew as his puppet, through whom Fletcher can now live vicariously. Andrew didn't win, Fletcher did.
YES YES YES
not entirely, neiman didnt obey him completely in the end portraying how you have to have some agency to achieve greatness, obviously its the writer's perspective and it doesnt really prove to be tru and cant be proven either way
While most people aim to "endure some difficulties now to attain success and happiness later, and to live a comfortable life," in this situation, you need to disregard the happiness and comfort, persisting in your dedication to the work.
In simpler terms, envision someone who never stops working hard, even if it means giving up their own happiness and comfort for their craft. This level of commitment is so strong that it could be compared to the devotion of a prophet. Many individuals pursue success with the expectation of ultimately enjoying a comfortable life. However, in this case, it's about continuing to work diligently without expecting happiness or comfort in return. This realization might lead most people to understand that what they idealize isn't necessarily what they genuinely desire or can endure.
That's an interesting angle, you can't expect something at the end of the road if you want to achieve greatness. Good insight
A business man sees a fisher man relaxing in his boat
Exactly. I didn't watch the film yet, but it seems like this guy wants to be the master of his craft. He doesn't want to simply be successful. He wants to create something of value and br remembered as a genius. For this kind of goal he needs a totally different approach.
wait this video is well edited, well done, and we’ll polished. why doesn’t this have more views? great vid btw this is excellent
I appreciate the watch despite the lack of views, you're helping me get there :)
I think it's neat that the director intended the ending to be strictly tragic, but roughly half or more of viewers still managed to misconstrue it as glorifying the grindset. It just goes to show how finely Chazelle road the line between passion and cult-like obsession. Greatness requires sacrifice and, to some degree, it demands obsession. Alas, obsession can lead one to sacrifice the things which define them, the things that matter.
Very well said 👏🏽
This video is GOLD. WOW I love Whiplash and have watched countless videos about it. You brought up so many points that bigger UA-camrs haven’t even touched on.
Thanks for watching! Out of curiosity, what points in particular did you find insightful?
The fetishization of success. The misinterpretation of the film and false glory. Everything was so well said. This video is so much more than an analysis for a film. It made me reflect on my perception of success and how fear drives us all. I want to see more videos from you. I just loved it.
I could have sworn that this would have had a million views, this is wonderful!! Bravo!!!
One of the most telling scenes is when fletcher is alone with an old student and his little daughter and he says he hopes she plays in his classroom some day. And it's like NOOOO
Yo this channel is incredibly underrated. This is edited and formatted like a video that would get millions of views. I will definitely be sharing this for sure. Keep up the great work and i'm sure you'll find *success* at youtube lmao.
Appreciate the watch and the comment! Hope you'll stick around for future content :)
The best analysis video I’ve seen on whiplash, the points you talk about are all worth thinking about and analyzing, great video and just shows how good whiplash is
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve always loved the fact that everyone, inside the film and out, pronounces his name Neeman because Fletcher does, even though Neiman himself pronounces it Nayman, as a symbol of Fletcher’s power over him
4:34 That is one of the *MOST* *INSIGHTFUL* things I have ever heard
You sir have just earned yourself a new subscriber😀
People whose ends justify the means are dangerous. But the question is, at what point those the mean kill the end? At what point does the pursuit starve you to death. If you want success, you have to be best for yourself. Then no one can deter you, or break you.
We have a society that incentivizes sacrificing lifes to gain 'success'.
This is why you make your point as loud and clear as possible, even an ounce of ambiguity or nuance will be used to completely miss the point
Agreed I like that it is open tho, makes ya think instead of being spoon fed
He couldn’t do that though. Because by the director’s own admission, it worked for him and things turned out fine.
Amazing video. This movie will always be special for me. As a musician myself, both the beauty and the destruction resonates deeply within me.
I think choosing this path for your life will always bring unimaginable highs and devastating lows since all we try to do is to practice even better than yesterday and play an even better concert.
Bro I literally thought I was watching a video with like 300k views how does this only have 500
You're helping me to get to the big 300k, thanks for the watch!
Absolute legend, just finished the movie today. Great video dude
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it Harrison
You touched on one point that deserves much more discussion nowadays: People are making "interpretations" of media by said media face value, which is the same as saying that they are not interpreting anything. Most of the time people take parts of media out of context and use it to validate their point of view. This is why some creators are making media, more and more direct, with less metaphors and complexity. It's crazy that people worship Patrick Bateman, the movie goes out of its way to showcase the emptiness of his life and his emptiness, he is portrayed as someone jealous and stingy, yet people take out of context the characteristics they like (his misogyny, yeah these guys...) and go for it. Even Fight Club, a movie much more concerned with criticizing consumerism and capitalism, becomes just what it is at face value, kinda of a wake-up call to rescue manhood or something. I never was too fond of any art that is razor thin, but today I understand movies like The Platform, the message is loud and clear because the movie knows that the audience nowadays is dumb as fuck. Whiplash is a great example, but your video covers up pretty well its themes, so I will not extend the discussion here...
Exactly. Idiocracy, the Boys and Don't Look Up are also good examples of this. Although they slam their messages over your head, I think the people that need to internalize them most simply dismiss them. People, for the most part, will believe what they want to believe. Their mind can be changed if they decide to have a open mind but that is rare.
this movie reminds me of a topic that I've never seen anyone mention when referring ot this film
the toxic champion mentality
there's a few videos about that topic but they're all mostly about sports
but I think Whiplash represents that topic way better than most sports movies could
the idea that being having this mentality not only guides you but also kind of becomes a huge reason of your success.
even adapting an alter ego along the way just to be able to separate their life from their sport
for example, Kobe channeled the black mamba for handling basketball while Kobe handles his irl problems.
on another note, Sugar Ray Leonard shadow boxed before every fight in front of a mirror and if he saw Sugar Ray looking back, he could not lose the fight. but if he saw average Ray Leonard looking back, he's at a disadvantage.
Mike Tyson was even hypnotized as a kid to make him more focused. There's a lot of these in boxing unsurprisingly.
I feel validated watching this video. My friend wanted me to watch it…he said that it was “inspirational”. When I watched it, the inspiration was lost on me. I just felt kind of sad at the end. It’s important to enjoy the journey in life just as much as you’ll enjoy the ends. Most of life is made up of the “journeys” anyway. Going through hell for years for a moment of glory is no way to spend life.
I always thought the ending was happy because Andrew finds his own way. He comes back a defies Fletcher after having ruined his career, he doesnt care about his approval anymore. He also runs back on stage after his dad tries to comfort him to quit. It seems to me like he is finally taking control of his own life, his passions and so on, and that makes it the happy ending.
I agree. Everyone says it’s sad. But I am highly motivated in ways similar to what whiplash portrays. Because we don’t know what happens next. We do not know if he never plays with Fletcher again, and pursues a slower life because he already found his peace. Or if he stays in the cycle of “trauma” so why does it have to be sad? The movie is great, and is truly interesting. I have Dr. friends in the psychology field and these are the conversation we get into
@@LEX.IBA333 I think most see the ending as tragic (not sad) due to to the fact that Neiman does fall back to Fletcher. The end of the movie shows Neiman finally getting the recognition that he's been searching for from Fletcher, and in the process allows Fletcher to regain control. The look on Neiman's father's face should say it all really.
Also, the director stated that he believes that Neiman does die an early death.
@joaks1969 The thing about art is that it can be interpreted how ever the viewer sees fit. everyone thinks that because he went back, it means "he's stuck back with fletcher," but as someone who is driven to a similar insane level, I can tell you that as soon as I accomplish MY GOAL I'm done with that. I might partake at a later time, but it doesn't mean I will be stuck in a loop of whatever.
@@LEX.IBA333 Yes, but there’s also a debate surrounding to what extent unintentional interpretations are valid and acceptable. Art is a form of communication. If you convey a message to someone and they gravely misinterpret it, that doesn’t mean the point of your message is suddenly overridden by their perspective. Whiplash is very clearly a cautionary tale, which is solidified by: 1. The frown the father gives at the end (that some people somehow see as pride?) 2. The hopeful look Andrew gives *toward Fletcher* still searching approval. If these two moments did not exist, I’d say seeing the ending as happy would make sense.
@addyvalencia meh. I am sometimes impressed by things but have a constant, serious face. I usually have to verbally tell friends and family that I am happy, excited, and/or proud of them. The frown you mention is interpreted differently because there are more ways than one to communicate something, and a single facial expression isn't always reliable (take sarcasm, for example). I do understand what you're saying, but as someone who did sports at a high level during and after college, I also lean/ am biased towards this level of pressure and "Do Better" Mentality.
Leaving a comment here for the algo, but yeah great vid. Editing was solid, and your talking points were amazing. Great work.
Thanks! The algorithm appreciates your input
@@latarax hey man anything to help out an earnest content creator. Rather have quality stuff like this on my timeline than half the garbage the algo sweeps up and shows me these days.
This gave me a whole new perspective. Awesome stuff. I feel like a lot of this kind of thing can relate back to childhood… Andrew feels some innate sense of inadequacy because his mother left, and the desire for a strong parental figure. He had a somewhat apathetic father who loved him no matter what, but was very lax. But Andrew clearly thrives when pushed… he needed tough love from a parent. I see Fletcher as stepping into that role in a very unhealthy way for both of them. Clearly Fletcher has always been so obsessed with music he never had kids of his own and treats his students almost the way an abusive parent would. And wanting the one “special” student might have been his way of searching for that connection.
This reminds me of creative writing class. I had to do one story and the class has to give their opinion. Each classmate had a different idea of what I was trying to do and most were completely the opposite of what I wanted to say. So I can relate.
Well written, with cool insights, hope to see more like this from you
Thank you for this beautiful video essay! I enjoyed it a lot
great video and message! I actually agree with the Whiplash director, if a misinterpretation makes someone enjoy the movie more it isnt a bad thing, although its always good to try to understand what is the real message of a movie and different perspectives :) +1 sub
Appreciate the watch! Glad you enjoyed
This video was really important for me to see, and I think it is important for our society as a whole. It seems this society is really focused on more and higher, rather than better and fuller sometimes.
i will analyze whiplash till i die
great video!! you deserve way more recognition
Thank you! Your recognition means a lot
Two there should be; no more, no less. One to embody power, the other to crave it......When you are ready to claim the mantle of Dark Lord as your own, you must do so by eliminating me.
-DARTH BANE
Really solid video!
I think a great takeaway from whiplash is that life ought not to be seen as teleological. To set yourself up for some sort of final idealized self or accomplishment is, in my opinion, only a guaranteed way to become an unhappy person. Seeing life as something that just flows and enjoying that journey, without expectations of a final status to achieve - that is living.
I've seen a lot of takes like this one. This one is probably one of the best. My only question is - can anyone show greatness at that level that was acheived without the struggle or grind?
Good question. There are definitely those that put in the work without publicizing the blood, sweat, and tears that go into the process. All just comes down to how much of their brand/ego relies on people THINKING that they work hard.
it's of resentment, like, tu m'as tellement saoulé jle fait ce truc de performance, pas pcq j'en avais envie, pas pcq j'en suis capable, juste pcq l'environnement me saoule, et le coach c'était juste un entrainement pr renier sa softness et brutaliser la détermination pour en faire un robot, et c'est ça que je vois comme resentment, genre je voulais juste y arriver et j'ai été bait par la société qui m'a tourné en semi coeur de robot semi coeur humain, genre bah vasy mtn jsuis un robot a moitié mais flm
Absolutely brilliant video essay sir, subbed, looking forward to watching more of your channel! 💯😃
Thanks for watching!
You're gonna grow, keep fighting ^^
I'm here as long as you are pal
Steely Dan I think is the perfect example of "grinding 'till perfection". Ironically, Donald Fagen (One of the 2 core members of Steely Dan) Didn't like this film, nor Lala Land.
Steely Dan had 2 core members from 1974ish until 2017. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were the 2 behind it all. They pretty much ran the band from the 3rd album and forward. Those guys were EXTREMELY picky and were perfectionists. They worked their musicians and engineers like dogs just to get a song to perfection.
The most popular story of their sessions was for the recording of their album "Aja". That album is there best, in my opinion. And it shows.
Peg's guitar solo session is the most famous story. They went through 8 different guitarists to get that solo down to perfection. Then they finally got the great Jay Graydon on the recording, but he also spent +9 hours just getting that solo down to their tastes. The track Home At Last had an assistant engineer, named Lenise Bent, who spent 6 hours just doing overdubs for the lyrics "Well The" in the track. Donald Fagen would always stress onto her that it had to be perfect.
Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are, in a way, Fletcher himself. They weren't abusive to their musicians, but they made sure it was PERFECT. Some of their musicians did experience extreme burnout working with them. Mark Knopfler has a whole story about spending 1 whole day recording a 15 second long guitar intro for them. Jeff Porcaro was a reoccurring drummer for them, and he said they were pushing him so far to the point he was going damn nearly insane. But in the end of one working on one of the songs for Gaucho, they couldn't get the perfect take so they just snipped and sliced all 46 of his drum takes to try make it perfect.
There really is no point of me saying all of this. Just figured I'd shine light on a duo that strived for perfection on every single song they made.
Thanks for the insight! I've only listened to Steely Dan sparingly but was semi aware of their perfectionist attitude. It's really interesting to see how seriously some people consider the minutiae of their work, and how for others it's just a paycheck. Thus is life 😌
Awesome video with shockingly not enough likes or comments! And if this video is any indication of the channel, then you my friend do not have enough subscribers. But now you've got one more. As this topic was meaningful enough for you to make this video on, please consider my suggestion to you to read Frankenstein. It's beautifully written and came to mind as I watched this video. Thank you for making it.
Thanks for watching! Truly appreciate you sitting through a 25 minute video. I will reciprocate and definitely check out your recommendation.
This is what i like to a call a great UA-cam video
Wonderful and thought-provoking video!
I appreciate that, hope you'll stick around!
I know the story is a tragedy, but there's one thing that makes the ending also inspiring: Greatness was achieved. That moment in the end was greatness, even if Andrew never plays again, even if Fletcher remains forever playing in a bar. Greatness is sometimes ephemeral, but it is still a treasure. They both got that moment they were searching for... Is a lifetime of struggle worth a moment of greatness? Well that's the real question here...
Fantastic quality video, nice one dude
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed
Incredible work man!!
this movie is so underrated!!
The best essay I’ve seen on my favorite movie of all time. Thank you for this. Question: who then is, in your opinion, a positive archetype of success in movies?
5:54 thx for including this aspect. I think a lot of us can relate to the toxicity of hustle culture, especially in creative careers.
Great breakdown man
awesome analysis. you deserve more for this.
Much appreciated!
We all enjoy the iPhone. We enjoy genius music and the Bulls winning year after year.
I think it a little hypocritical to enjoy all these things and also critize those who sacrifice so much to achieve them.
Everything has a price, and this is the prize of greatness. It is not for everyone, but that is precisely the point.
I don't think the protagonist "sold his soul", that seems a little dramatic for me.
I think he sacrificed most of his life in the pursuit of one single thing. It's his choice to make, and it's his idea of a successful life.
Overall good video-essay.
This is an excellent analysis ❤
I have a really low understanding of movies because I didn’t watch many growing up but the ending is literally them losing their mind and you don’t even know how real it is I don’t know how you can see it as them making it unless you didn’t watch the film really
I think you missed the implications of the ending. The end of the film does imply that Andrew has finally reached levels of greatness and he's made it to the top. It's still depressing though, because he did it at the cost of his sanity and well-being. He's lost a part of his soul because of Fletcher and will most likely also die young as a sad empty shell of a person like Charlie Parker.
Eckhart Tolle, put it best:
" When you are in the grip of such a mindset, you will see only what you want to see. You will hear only what you want to hear... And then misinterpret it.'
That's what you accuse the success-driven others of in this video Review. The question is, can you understand why they would say you are blinded in the opposite way?
And don't forget the Andrew's father look of disappointed at the end.
Be great in life period
Greatness is abstract bullshit, be good, be who you want to be that’s best for everyone. That matters more than any amorphous greatness.
@@Freewill_Moder cope
Musical excellence is something worth living and dying for. It's something worth taking punishment for
Except you don't have to neither die nor even being punished to achieve it
@Mari_Kross if you live your whole life for it then you die for it. And every true musician takes endless punishment from society. In strides
Excellent video
Great video
Great video,the part of his soul did really die
" At what point is the art worth the artist?" That
Is entirely to be determined by the artist himself, Certainly not his parents, And certainly not the world of today with its post modernist take on success, In which some of us have the conceit to tell others what the definition of a balanced life should be. 😊
I see you have been hit a bit hard by this
@IKMTIrr nah, just want people to keep an open mind. Nearly all The so-called deep dive videos on this movie say Basically the same thing
@@retroguyst8132 he’s not admonishing the movie or saying not to burn yourself for your ideals, just that you can draw a line like not letting your music teacher slap you
@@IKMTIrr I recognize that. And I appreciate your dialog. :) All I was trying to add to the conversation is that our culture has a tendency to decide for others what their definition of "success" should be, what their definition of "abuse" should be, and so on. I'm contending that as an individual, one should decide this for oneself, and not be swayed by "the collective."
@@retroguyst8132 what he’s doing as an individual is also contesting not only that you don’t have to kill, be abused or sacrifice your loved ones for the approval of a crazy instructor, the love and admiration of the sheep or the money and wealth to buy things that have been lended artificially value by society
Appreciate hearing your side too, I dislike one sided condemnation of things cause there no definite way to live
how is this video not more popular
fantastic video honestly i love it so much
im about to watch whiplash lmaop
We gettin there, one step at a time
And thank you!
It's really sad to see that you've made such an incredible analysis of the movie, and yet there's people in the comments that are completely missing the point in the face of their own empty principles making me question whether they even watched the full video or not. As for my own thoughts, I really like how the ending is left ambiguous. We know Andrew finally reaches levels of greatness and makes it to the top at the cost of his sanity and well-being, but we're left to wonder what will happen after. Will Andrew become the next Charlie Parker and die young as an empty shell of a person or will he be able to free himself from Fletcher's influence and take back control of his life? It's just left in the air.
awesome video
Thanks!
What a video ❤
The Charlie Parker story is that Jo Jones threw a cymbal at his FEET
This is brilliant
dis fire
Thank you good sir
As Goggins says this path is not for everyone. And that is not romantic and should be taken with caution. You need the dawg tho when you get started but you have to learn to control your mind and stop taking pleasure from self-hatred and self-limiting life to you.
AND WHAT A FUCKING BRILLANT ART PIECE IS THIS WRITING, explored all the fuckin aspects of this thing called Ambition. Loved this Video!
Church of Goggins
enjoyed it great video
Thanks for watching!
The movie is like Taxi Driver. Both of them are stories about self-destruction with fake happy endings. Taxi Driver makes it look Travis will always be seen as a hero by people and got the girl he wanted. The truth is he is still an unstable sociopath who will blow up again over something else.
Whiplash makes it look like Andrew has “made it” and will be seen as his own famous drummer. The truth is he is still a desperate man with Stockholm syndrome who will continue to allow himself to be Fletcher’s bitch.
They will still suffer the same problems despite getting what they want.
Great parallel, didn't think to relate these two films like that
The director of whiplash even came out and said that the ending wasn't supposed to be happy so I'm glad you got it. This has been one of the most misunderstood movies I've ever seen.
@@christianbaker3564 nah edgy take and cope
@smartwater598 the directors take was edgy😂😂?
@@christianbaker3564 he didn’t say that seriously and movies are meant to be taken openly there’s not one ending if it wasn’t shown
Thank you, especially for pointing out MJ's and Kobe Bryant's abhorrent attitude towards their teammates.
As I see it now. Andrew is a broken person, with a chip on his shoulder. Not yet developed any self-worth besides music. Thinking that if he is not the greatest drummer, he is worthless to the world. Then there is the teacher in Simmons character, that also is a broken character. He derives his value, from other people's success. That's a toxic relationship between two broken people. They both have gained nothing, but the validation in the short term.
Ok I’ll be honest… I wouldn’t have made it to where I am without hustle culture… you can always shift out of that, and let part of you cease
a different representation of success compared to Whiplash: Little Miss Sunshine
Eminems "lose yourself" has set up multiple generations to interpret the protagonist as achieving victory in the end.
The ending is actually a tragedy. So Fletcher took this band to a high end clientele for approval and more less a "second chance" for his reputation. Andrew was not so much invited to this. So he decided to ruin Fletcher once and for all, basically he'll go down and be 'blacklisted' as well (Andrew) but the performance turned out to be captivating, and Fletcher approved of the talent as well even though they weren't scheduled to do so. Thus yes great performance but the industry would probably eyeball them out of any prestigious jazz appearances in the future.
Andrew was chasing fletchers approval because he is the “recognized” artist whereas Andrew feels like a nobody. He saw success as something that he is given rather than self acceptance. Recognition from others is the toxic driver in this movie.
Good
This video is very pretentious, though its pretty good.
😂 I appreciate it and I agree with you on the first part of that statement for sure
Great
Of course success needs sacrifice. Why is it hard to comprehend? If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen😂😂😂
well, I'm a failure, And I can tell you that's not worth it either.
hey man i have literally no idea what you've been through/may be going through, but I hope you know that its never too late to start over. We as humans fail all the time, and its totally normal. ur not alone, and i hope things will be okay for u
I felt like this movie was a type of horror movie. A mix of the idea of the cross roads myth and moby dick. It’s ultimately a gross movie.
If director's intent was different he should have filmed it differently!
🧭
What does it say? That tje director is not as good as he thinks he thought he was.
Cope everyone have same take on this movie now being edgy
CORE MESSAGE: SUCCESS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED AND WEAK-MINDED.
BASICALLY: A VICTIM-MENTALITY DIRECTOR, COMPLAINING ON HIS FILM, ABOUT TOUGH-LOVE MENTORS.
I find your approach to assume that the audience missed the point just because they admire the protagonist who is supposed to be "bad" like in "American Psycho" or "The Wolf of Walt Street" to be condensing
Thanks for watching! I don't assume the audience missed the point, I quoted the director of the film saying that the audience diverged from his own intent. I don't think it's condescending to point that out :)
I couldn’t disagree more. People are all different and what works for some one else may not work for another. Most people cannot understand that it isn’t fletcher’s fault some one else taking their life. Sean could have left fletcher’s program whenever. This is a genuinely weak point of view where this MAN, not boy, had no choice and was just ruthlessly abused at no choice of his own. Sad. Everyone is a victim in this comment section.
So let me get this straight. You want to cry and moan about the people who are willing to sacrifice their existence to be the best?
' It's unhealthy, it's toxic, it's not worth it, boohoo '
It's not worth is to YOU. Because you'd rather be comfortable.
Without people like that. You wouldn't have pro sports, professional musicians, Oscar winning actors/directors. You wouldn't have cars, phones, a military, YOU WOULDNT EVEN HAVE A COUNTRY IF IT WASNT FOR PEOPLE LIKE THEM.
Leave you're moaning and griping to the weak. Whiplash and stories like it are for the strong.
Seconded. Excellence, not equality, is the ideal. Geniuses, not masses, are the goal of a proper civilization.
Thanks for watching! I appreciate you trying to "get this straight", but I think perhaps you missed the point I was trying to make. Let me elaborate.
My point was that Whiplash is interpreted through a lens which it advocates for the reverse of. Striving for success, pursuing excellence; these are of course noble pursuits. But the irony is in how the characters in Whiplash fail to achieve ANY of these markers of success but are still seen as aspirational figures to some, simply because they "work hard".
I think there are very few things more valuable than honest to God hard work. Just because I mention the word "toxicity" doesn't mean I don't believe in the virtue of putting your heart and soul into something.
But make no mistake, every man has their breaking point. No matter the outward display of machismo, there is always a point where the straw will break the camel's back.
There is no shame in acknowledging that, that is simply what makes us human. And to deny that is simply an expression of hubris.
I agree with your point of view and believe in the same philosophy as you, but there is no reason to be so horrible and harsh due to someone contrary belief, your falling into the exact toxic condescending mindset he spoke about.
@@lataraxbut the main characters in Whiplash do hot those areas.
Andrew becomes great, while showing he can be his own person if he wants. Fletcher gets his great. And he can absolutely use that to continue teaching greats. Which the film already showed he could do by the fact he was held in such high regards for years and clearly still was after losing his job.
True these weak beta man are projecting their inadequacies of greatness in life on to this movie lol
Okay this guy sucks 😂
dis fire
Appreciate that!