JK Simmons is such a humble journeymen actor. Two days after winning the Oscar for this he was back in the recording booth being the voice of the Yellow m&m, the longest running role of his career.
@@funnylilgalreactsBilly West tells a great story. His wife had been watching Oz on HBO, which is an extremely violent prison drama that JK Simmons had a starring role on as a white supremacist sex offender & murderer. Billy’s wife asked him if he’d watched it, and Billy said he hadn’t. “Oh, you have to watch it. You know, I think one of the actors is an actual killer. He is tapping into something very dark and evil.” So they watch an episode together, and Billy’s wife goes, “That’s him! That’s the guy!” Billy laughs, and his wife asks him why he’s laughing. “I know that guy!” “You **know** him?!?” “Yeah, he’s the Yellow M&M!”
First time i watched that my fight or flight senses kicked in. I was just looking for some way he tried to mess with him and thee way he did it gave me so much anxiety.
It’s a horrible situation when the protagonist winning means the antagonist wins too. A masterful study of the pursuit of greatness and its steep cost. Every time I watch this movie I feel sick during the bar talk scene. I keep wanting Andrew to succeed ‘in spite of’, not ‘because of’.
In a way he did win in spite of Fletcher. Fletcher's Hail Mary plan was to challenge his best student expecting him to return next year like Charlie Parker (hinted throughout the movie). To his surprise Andrew didn't stop playing like a wind up Monkey and began to play after receiving the last Whiplash. Yet in a way Fletcher won still he finally pushed his best student to greatness better than he expected. I have a love and hate relationship with this movie
"I need a break! I'm gonna take a break." I feel you, that movie is emotionally exhausting and devastating. And at the end of the movie you don't even know how to feel.
The director has said that Andrew did in fact end up like Charlie Parker, the great Jazz musician Fletcher keeps alluding to: a great musician, dead in a gutter at 30 with heroin in his veins. Which makes his dad's look of horror at the end even more haunting--even if he doesn't know it exactly, he can fully see his son's future laid out in front of him.
@@applejayz1987 probably one of the greatest* there are a lot of incredible drummers out there in jazz, rock, metal… there really isn't a "best" drummer. It's too subjective
And to be more accurate, he doesn’t say that he factually ends up like Charlie Parker, he says that he has a idea of him ending up like Charlie Parker, among a couple of other things that he says he probably would’ve/could’ve put in the last moments of the movie. He never sets in stone the actual ending of Andrew, just floats around on possibilities, which is good, because not all masters dedicated to their crafts end up exactly like Charlie Parker, so to insinuate that they all do would’ve been a little…ugh yk? Leaves the ending much more open to interpretation, and ultimately makes the movie better.
JK Simmons is such a great actor. He makes you hate him and he makes you love him. His character in The Accountant was incredible. That tissue flick and the cat screeching was hilarious, btw.
JK Simmons really knew how to draw out the tension in this movie. I love his works where he plays over-the-top angry for comical effect, but he plays the nuances of emotion like a skilled instrumentalist.
this movie asks: what is the price of artistic greatness? and its answer: abuse, obsession, self harm, and addiction. the ending is tragic and bleak: andrew will forever be chasing the high of fletcher's approval.
Except that: That is a complete lie, at best: an amoral, misconstrued fabrication of what "makes" or "construes" "artistic greatness." The flawed instructor, with his inherent, overarching power, will, ALWAYS, create: damaged, inept, undeserving, reimaginations of him-or herself. The damage is passed down, not in, simply, the brutality upon others, but on the ideological beliefs & practices which are demonstrated as "the necessary" traits, beliefs, practices (although: this is entirely inept, delusional and incorrect.). Because: the possession of power corrupts ...and those who are corrupt and who are easily corruptible, are attracted to power (nay: LUST, unremittingly, for it!). ...in fact: there is little-to-nothing about "drive" or "passion" or "perfectionism" in this film (or the constructs in it); the facts are: abstruse self-importance, inability to accept: any challenge to one's-own "superiority" or delusional self-importance; utter egotism are the central themes (and characters) of this missive.
It amazes me how many people don't get the ending of this movie. Fletcher won. Everything Fletcher did was justified. All the abuse was worth it because it made Andrew great. That's a tragedy, not a triumph.
Really enjoyed your reaction. J.K.Simmons pulled no punches and that oscar was deserved. One of those few performances that can be quite challenging to forget.
I played drums for over 10 years as a kid in high school/college. The blisters, suffering and frustration are the most accurate part of this movie, I still have scars on my hands as a 29 year old. Big ups to El Estepario Siberiano for bringing back my passion. Rock on dudes 🤘
I can confirm. Never played in a big-band or jazz in general, only in some rock and punk bands, but I had my fair share of blood and blisters - and the frustration when you just can't nail THAT part. But I guess the style doesn't matter that much.
I just wanted to say, I absolutely love your compassionate and empathetic soul. It's a big reason I love your reactions, because you really feel the emotions of what you're watching. Thanks for being so genuine!
A professional jazz drummer made a great point, he said this story was like how a teenager would relate a story of a relationship breakup. The plot more or less tracks but the emotions get amped up to ridiculous melodrama levels. Being in an elite music academy as a student can *feel* like what happens with Andrew in the story even if that's not actually what happens.
Excellent choice, Xander! Angela, hope you've recovered from watching this. Thank you for enduring the rollercoaster this movie puts you on for our entertainment.
this movie helped me realize that becoming legendary isnt for the feint of heart or the weak. you can be nice and kind all you want but you need drive, passion, persistence, and will of steel to push through all the BS that people put in your way that want to keep you from being the best. You will become the greatest but you will sacrifice everything for it, because life is all about trade offs. The law of Equivalent Exchange
I believe J.K. Simmons studied music in college and was thinking of being a conductor. So the director was gonna have a double to do the movements of the conductor at first for J.K. Simmons until he found that out about him.
@@masansr Yeah..😂 I guess because his role didn't hinge so much on the conducting part, he probably didn't learn as much as Miles Teller had to about the drums
@@masansr uh, his mom was a music teacher and his father was a director of the School of Music of University of Montana. J.K. Simmons himself graduated with a BA in music. He led pit bands and was a classical conductor, composer and singer. He didn't have any experience with jazz bands but he had plenty of relevant experience...
The first time I saw this I was just flipping through channels. Caught it about 10 or 15 minutes in. I planned on using it as background noise as I worked on my computer because I heard jazz music. Before long, I found myself not working on my computer at all with my eyes glued to the tv. Magnificent movie and great reaction to it.
My d1 head coach was the sweetest, most personable and friendly person you'd ever meet during recruitment. He kept up that act for over a year. I went in as a freshman on a full scholarship and one of their top recruits, so I thought I was sitting pretty. Our first conditioning session in the fall, he ran us until even the vets and upperclassmen were throwing up. I got to a point where I felt like I was going to pass out, it was bad. I went over to coach and told him I didn't feel good, was very dizzy. He didn't take his eyes off the line. He just said "you can go back in line and keep running, or you can go the fuck home and never come back". That sudden shift in demeanor was eye opening, to say the least. He was my Fletcher, but worse. A diabolical sociopath with a hair trigger for a temper. As much as he tried to kill us physically (didn't mind that part), it was the psychological warfare that was truly twisted. Most people in the program quit, but I didn't come that far to let that prick take it from me. This was 25 years ago. He's still coaching today. I doubt he still gets away with all the shit he did to us then, but I'm sure he still has his ways. So yeah, this movie brings back a lot of memories lol.
I've been rewatching House MD recently and, although Hugh Laurie is irreplaceable, this movie made me think "What if JK Simmons had played Dr House...?"
Somebody should have gotten him those pictures of Spiderman. Such a great movie. Never a musician but this movie gives me such anxiety and just pulls you right into every beat.
for me personally, this movie really displays how striving for a profession can brutally destroy you and turn something you love into more work, with no fun. I feel like he sacrificed fun doing something he loved. I would much rather play music and enjoy the experience like I did in high school jazz band
25:55 no, he actually has something to pursue. I can relate to him, and I've learnt it the hard way that what he did actually is the right thing to do, which is being blunt and direct if you want that someone to move on and for HIM to move on and focus.
@lookatmyright That's exactly the issue though. He's assuming. You can't tell the future. You don't know how she'd be with his career and ambition. That's what he's doing wrong there.
@@isaacmelendez2241 That's actually a good point. I also learned it just like few weeks ago from my new girlfriend. She told me to never assume things (edit: about being in relationship, I mean).
There are some movies that are so good, but also so harrowing that I'm like, "I'm very glad I watched that, but never again." Requiem for a Dream is the first one I remember, but this one quickly went on that list for me.
I think a good analogy for this movie is listening to athletes who have reached that all time great status. When I hear Tom Brady or Michael Jordan talk about how they push themselves to a limit that would break every other person, or how they need motivation through any type of adversity I can understand why reaching that fame and level is worth it for some people. Even in the movie with Andrew breaking up with his girlfriend and giving her that reason makes sense to me. You see those athletes say how its impossible to balance it, if you want to get to that level then you cant let anything interfere.
Guess I know what I am watching tonight when I get home from work.... I know how much Angela loves JK Simmons, I hope this did not hurt her heart too much seeing him be this mean in live action... I will find out tonight.
For most of us Fletcher is not a real person but an internal voice: Self doubt, hatred, criticism, limiting, we need to confront and overcome if we're brave enough to find our personal level of greatness. Great movie, great acting, great everything not like some recent "best picture" winners.
As a fellow drummer, I rarely hear about tuning the drums to a certain note (it is possible). I mostly hear high, medium, low tuning. In the end, both characters achieved what they wanted.
Love this film. I had a step father who was like Fletcher. His whole justification for the abuse was that he was "disciplining me", which I generally agree with, but not the way he did it. Finally got away from him after about 5 or 6 years, and life isn't all that bad. Got a decent career and have maintained an intense level of dedication to weight lifting ;)
This is how middle school band felt for me. My instructor was only kind of a dick, but my extreme anxiety and lack of practice made it suck. Watching this movie made me feel twelve years old again in a bad way. By the time I realized I didn’t want to play trumpet, my father had already bought it, and we were poor. I felt rather trapped. One day I messed up playing solo in front of the whole band, cried, and transferred out to a drawing class.
"Spit valves are gross." Girl im a trombonist. How could you say such hurtful things?😭 also it's true😂😂😂 but it's more condensation than saliva built up in our slides.
The obsessive pursuit of perfection set against a musical theme. It's a hard but fascinating watch and no one who watches it doesn't have that reaction of anger, disbelieve at the behaviour and fascination right to the end watching two great performances
I feel like this and Black Swan are a great double feature. Both about self-destruction in pursuit of artistic perfection. Also, fun fact about spit valves: it's not actually spit. It's condensation from the player's breath. That's why you have to empty it more frequently before the instrument is fully warmed up, or if playing in a cold environment.
16:50 YES. Absolutely. If you’ve been through it, and gotten to the place Andrew and Fletcher share at the end, you know. It is an obsession. And it’s madness. But living that dream… it’s indescribably beautiful.
Finally, a reactor who doesn't see this as inspirational. So frustrating to see people get massive hard-ons as Andrew pushes and rapidly improves through the immense abuse, as a bold and boisterous "FUCK YOU" to Fletcher, still playing his game, and then, ultimately, tacitly excuse Fletcher, because Andrew turns out to be great, in the end. If this were inspirational, in the final scene, instead of Andrew and Fletcher looking deep into each others' eyes, and Fletcher smiling in approval, and Andrew's eyes lighting up with glee and deference, Andrew, instead, would have never looked him in the eyes, smashed another hi-hat in his face while he tried controlling his tempo, walked off stage to hug his dad, and then continued to do his thing -- moved on with his life. Tragic. Believe it or not, you can be great (or one of THE greats) without having to put up with Machiavellian manipulation and physical abuse... Even the director himself envisions Andrew addicted to hard drugs, and dead in a couple years, after the end of the film. Hey, alright, guys! He's one of the greats now! And now... he's dead three years later! Lmao Best reaction to the film, that I've seen.
All of Damien Chazelle’s movies (including Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench, if it’s available somewhere) are very much worth reacting to. Just an incredible director.
So...Xander is a real one :) Other people have already pointed out how this is a melancholy ending (ESPECIALLY given the writers/directors comments...), but I'm just glad to see us drummers get some love. :)
My brother and I are both jazz musicians, though he took it much more seriously than I did and went to Julliard for two years. He came out an outstanding guitarist but HATED the experience because he met a lot of teachers like Fletcher and a lot of students completely willing to throw anyone and everyone under the bus to appease teachers like that.
You can kind of also see Fletchers effects one the other students also. It would be horrible to think that these students might also end up adopting his teaching methods, should they become teachers 😥😮
Fun! A really good and short lived series with J.K. Simmons is “Counterpart” his acting in that show was phenomenal as well as the entire cast, it had great writing, and a really fun premise. Also I can recommend two other J.K. Simmons films if you haven’t seen them, “Juno” (2007) and “Thank you for smoking” (2005) In any event thank you for reacting to this, and the other shows and movies on your channel!
I just wanna say thank you for destroying my eardrums. For some reason you were on my suggested videos and while I was scrolling down, the mouse happened to stop on top of the thumbnail and my volume was at 70%. The screeching "hey guys" almost killed me.
There can be no achievement without adversity, there can be no greatness without suffering. We all know the hardest diamonds are shaped with the greatest pressure. I think deep down we all know Fletcher and Andrew are correct. People, talented people, settle all the time. They accept "good enough" and never achieve anything worthy of being remembered. I think the world owes a debt of thanks to the Andrews of the world that bleed for greatness and the Fletchers thats drive them. There is a reason every college basketball fan remembers Bobby Knight and no one gives a shit about the guys who came after.
I felt like YOU needed a hug throughout this entire movie. The first time I saw it, I couldn't make it through the entire movie. It was horrifying. But now that I've seen it all, the ending was the definition of a "mic drop".
JK Simmons is truly a great actor... and if you want a fantastic Sci Fi angle with him... "COUNTERPART" is brilliant. Simmons is incredible and the story if FASCINATING. You'll love it!!
Even though I wasn't a big fan of this movie there are a couple of things that I liked about it. The ending, but also, I like that the solo that Miles Teller's character plays at the end of the movie is the same one he's been working on/practicing since the beginning of the movie. The director of the movie said that Miles Teller did 90% of the drum playing himself. By the way the Charlie Parker becoming "Bird" story isn't exactly accurate. Yes, he did have a solo that he screwed up, but Jones did not throw a cymbal at his head. The cymbal landed at Parker’s feet. It startled him more than it threatened any bodily harm. Witnesses described it as more of a playful gesture than a malicious one; a way of telling Parker that Jones disapproved of his performance, and it was time to stop.
One of my favorite movies of all time. JK Simmons ate this movie and deserved the hell out of this Oscar! lmao Fun fact, I am also a reaction editor who constantly annoys my clients to watch Whiplash. Your editor must be a fine gentlemen with incredible taste.
Now you have to watch "The Legend of Whiplash" Tenzin Fletcher. Mixes the audio of Whiplash with LoK scenes. They are really short, you can watch them your own but hilariously perfect.
One puzzling scene in this film. Fletcher was willing to lie about the cause of death for his former student. In a room full of musicians in the internet age. Fletcher would have to have known that Sean's suicide would be discovered by his students. That monstrous level of deception makes no sense for a man of Fletcher's intelligence. Great reaction.
My assertion for J.K. Simmons at his absolute best, is in the, unfairly, nearly-ignored Sci-Fi series: Counterpart. [also starring the brilliant: Olivia Colman.] ...if you haven't seen it, you owe it to the actors, writers and creative team of this gem, AND: to YOURSELF! 🤘🤘
"It's not even gonna be fun anymore." Well, they're not studying to have fun. They're studying to make choices under pressure and stand by them. Artists make choices not accidents. And this is a competition band. (And J.K. Simmons makes a wonderfully sinister slavedriver.) I went through something like this in drama school. Nothing this intense, but then I wasn't making a movie to heighten certain experiences for an audiences. I could probably do it today, though. But if I had a taskmaster like Fletcher at the time I wouldn't have survived. I would have crumpled. Thankfully, I had the kind of teachers and directors I needed. Don't worry. You'll never see me on TV or in the movies. But I really enjoy what little work I get to do and my personal life is so much better for the experience. I got what I wanted and needed. The money for it was wasted but the time was not.
When I saw the title of this video, I knew our short queen was not ready for the gauntlet she was about to run through. JK Simmons did a fantastic job and if you've ever had a teacher/trainer/etc. in your life that treated you like this... it resonates with you. People should never be treated that way.
Drum tuning is basically the same in nature as a trampoline There are lugs holding the drum head and tightning it You have to tighten the lugs evenly, so that the head streaches the same all the way around The tighter you screw the higher pitched it's gonna be It all comes down to personal preference. If you are me you tune very tight so that the snare has a nice "pop", with little sustain. Quick in and out Also like a trampoline: Two people land on a trampoline simultaneously and they both stop The same applies to a drum. So instead of hitting both sticks simultaneously You use a "flam", where one stick hits the drum juuuust before the other Giving ekstra noise, just like getting a boost on a trampoline
Have you ever seen 2007's "Across The Universe". It's a jukebox musical. All Beatles songs; interpreted by the cast. A love story between an British guy and an American girl, set in the late '60s / early '70s. With the Vietnam war in the background. Starring Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood & Joe Anderson. Directed by Julie Taymor. My favorite movie of all time. I would LOVE to see your reaction.
My favorite reaction to one of my favorite movies. You didn’t try to overreact and play to the camera. This is the first video I’ve seen of yours and I already want to see more
Great reaction like always, this movie is epic, this movie certainly had its fair share of stand-in and filmmaking magic at its disposal, Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons’s respective musical background ensured that their characters’ talents were well-realized as far as their musical talent was concerned. Teller had been playing drums since he was 15 and took on additional classes before filming to sell Andrew’s sublime skill on screen. Simmons on the other hand has a musical degree and played piano in the past and was able to sink into his role after a bit of practice before filming began. While the movie is not an exact carbon copy of the 2013 short film that inspired it, there is one line of dialogue that made its way into the big screen that surprised one of its leads. After having successfully played Andrew to his own twisted whims, Fletcher decides to verbally abuse the unfortunate freshman during which the cruel instructor menacingly states that he “will f**k him like a pig”. Initially, the line was supposed to be “I will gut you like a pig” but Chazelle found the former hilarious (especially since that Simmons misspoke while delivering the line) and opted to use it despite J.K. Simmons deeming the colorful piece of dialogue ridiculous. Keep up the good work.
Slow roll to creativity is keeping it in the easy zone that does not offend. Like in football when you want someone to hit harder and think faster piss them off in the most offensive way. Letting go of perceived negative thoughts will keep one's mind in the zone.
Imagine the precision it takes when ur trying to teach and show visually a lesson that involves slapping a student. 🤣😭 1. Cruel? Sure 2. Look at how precise fletcher timed his slap so that Andrew never finished saying the word “four” completely. 3.Seeing this scene a million times and I still can’t tell whether he was rushing or dragging when he was playing. As soon as Fletcher slapped him, that sht was clear as day that he was rushing. I’ve read that fletcher purposely “acting” so he could force Nieman to have that interaction with him. Just fkn mind boggling…the layers and the fuckery to come with it 🤣😭😵💫
See, in my opinion, Fletcher didn't have a fake personality to bully his students. The way I see it, him being nice and vulnerable is who he genuinely was, and him doing the cruel things he did is, in his mind, what he had to do to bring out the full potential of his students. That doesn't excuse what he did, but I think it is important to understand that he thought he was doing the right thing.
The only other movie that left me feeling like that (the same way you felt at the end of this one) was Joker. This movie succeeded in actually making me doubt myself regarding Fletcher’s methods being justified (end justifies the means). Magic of cinema I guess, that it can get you to second guess yourself, even regarding things you considered wrong your entire life. Would I do what Fletcher did to get someone to reach their full potential?, f*ck no. Did it work in this case?… it did. So where is the middle ground?…that’s the question this movie left me with. I still haven’t found the answer.
Great to see you stumble on this gem of a movie. Remember watching this with my dad, who played jazz with the actual jazz director he was based off of. Apparently, JK portrayed him too nice. These jazz directors were monsters back in the day
I watched Whiplash in the theater when it came out and it was INTENSE. The writing of the characters is phenomenal and yes, Fletcher really does give you whiplash with his mood swings. He truly is a master manipulator, and the dynamics between an abuser and victim from start to finish of the film is really well depicted imo.
Give La La Land a go if you’ve never seen it. When you talked about the camera man getting whiplash at the end of the movie - there’s a very similar shot in La La Land. It’s the same director, but having watched Whiplash a few weeks prior, I didn’t know that before watching La La Land. As soon as I saw that shot I knew for sure. Wonderful stuff.
JK Simmons is such a humble journeymen actor. Two days after winning the Oscar for this he was back in the recording booth being the voice of the Yellow m&m, the longest running role of his career.
Wait. He’s ALSO the yellow M&M???
@@funnylilgalreacts Yeah! He and Billy West have been Yellow and Red for like 27 yrs!
@@funnylilgalreactsBilly West tells a great story. His wife had been watching Oz on HBO, which is an extremely violent prison drama that JK Simmons had a starring role on as a white supremacist sex offender & murderer. Billy’s wife asked him if he’d watched it, and Billy said he hadn’t.
“Oh, you have to watch it. You know, I think one of the actors is an actual killer. He is tapping into something very dark and evil.”
So they watch an episode together, and Billy’s wife goes, “That’s him! That’s the guy!”
Billy laughs, and his wife asks him why he’s laughing.
“I know that guy!”
“You **know** him?!?”
“Yeah, he’s the Yellow M&M!”
@@funnylilgalreacts Well I guess you (and me!) DO learn something new everyday! Who knew!!
And I think even after that he was scheduled to shoot a farmers commercial.
This is the opposite of "comfort movie"
I had anxiety watching the edit.
And yet, I find myself watching this movie again and again...
I mean.. it gives me comfort and motivates the hell out of me 😂
@@jimmy8213 I don't think it should motivate us, but somehow it does...
When he told him "I know it was you" I had chills.
First time i watched that my fight or flight senses kicked in. I was just looking for some way he tried to mess with him and thee way he did it gave me so much anxiety.
It’s a horrible situation when the protagonist winning means the antagonist wins too. A masterful study of the pursuit of greatness and its steep cost. Every time I watch this movie I feel sick during the bar talk scene. I keep wanting Andrew to succeed ‘in spite of’, not ‘because of’.
Yeah, I hate the idea that it’s still Fletcher that was his drive rather than his desire to be good and proof Fletcher wrong
@@funnylilgalreacts Not sure. Maybe fletcher wasn't precisely wrong, though his methods were
@@Evenstar-well yeah he wasn't wrong at all, but he was _wrong_
In a way he did win in spite of Fletcher. Fletcher's Hail Mary plan was to challenge his best student expecting him to return next year like Charlie Parker (hinted throughout the movie). To his surprise Andrew didn't stop playing like a wind up Monkey and began to play after receiving the last Whiplash.
Yet in a way Fletcher won still he finally pushed his best student to greatness better than he expected. I have a love and hate relationship with this movie
Agreed, but this also makes the movie be an ingenious move
man the shot of his dad looking on in horror at the end..... :(
My favorite shot of the film.
Same. Incredible moment.
"I need a break! I'm gonna take a break."
I feel you, that movie is emotionally exhausting and devastating. And at the end of the movie you don't even know how to feel.
I feel like you need to chase this with "Juno" which has JK Simmons being one of the most amazing dads ever
The director has said that Andrew did in fact end up like Charlie Parker, the great Jazz musician Fletcher keeps alluding to: a great musician, dead in a gutter at 30 with heroin in his veins. Which makes his dad's look of horror at the end even more haunting--even if he doesn't know it exactly, he can fully see his son's future laid out in front of him.
While he indeed succeeded in becoming the greatest drummer, he sadly didnt win, Fletcher won in the end
@@applejayz1987 probably one of the greatest* there are a lot of incredible drummers out there in jazz, rock, metal… there really isn't a "best" drummer. It's too subjective
@@Literallyjustmint you can have a best drummer in each genre maybe not the best drummer in all of music.
@@applejayz1987 They both won. Fletcher wanted a Charlie Parker, and Andrew wanted to BE a Charlie Parker.
And to be more accurate, he doesn’t say that he factually ends up like Charlie Parker, he says that he has a idea of him ending up like Charlie Parker, among a couple of other things that he says he probably would’ve/could’ve put in the last moments of the movie. He never sets in stone the actual ending of Andrew, just floats around on possibilities, which is good, because not all masters dedicated to their crafts end up exactly like Charlie Parker, so to insinuate that they all do would’ve been a little…ugh yk? Leaves the ending much more open to interpretation, and ultimately makes the movie better.
JK Simmons is such a great actor. He makes you hate him and he makes you love him. His character in The Accountant was incredible.
That tissue flick and the cat screeching was hilarious, btw.
JK Simmons really knew how to draw out the tension in this movie. I love his works where he plays over-the-top angry for comical effect, but he plays the nuances of emotion like a skilled instrumentalist.
this movie asks: what is the price of artistic greatness? and its answer: abuse, obsession, self harm, and addiction. the ending is tragic and bleak: andrew will forever be chasing the high of fletcher's approval.
Except that: That is a complete lie, at best: an amoral, misconstrued fabrication of what "makes" or "construes" "artistic greatness."
The flawed instructor, with his inherent, overarching power, will, ALWAYS, create: damaged, inept, undeserving, reimaginations of him-or herself.
The damage is passed down, not in, simply, the brutality upon others, but on the ideological beliefs & practices which are demonstrated as "the necessary" traits, beliefs, practices (although: this is entirely inept, delusional and incorrect.).
Because: the possession of power corrupts
...and those who are corrupt and who are easily corruptible, are attracted to power (nay: LUST, unremittingly, for it!).
...in fact: there is little-to-nothing about "drive" or "passion" or "perfectionism" in this film (or the constructs in it); the facts are:
abstruse self-importance, inability to accept: any challenge to one's-own "superiority" or delusional self-importance; utter egotism
are the central themes (and characters) of this missive.
It amazes me how many people don't get the ending of this movie. Fletcher won. Everything Fletcher did was justified. All the abuse was worth it because it made Andrew great. That's a tragedy, not a triumph.
@@havok6280 You are deluded.
I disagree is not tragic and bleak in the slightest
@@havok6280Andrew got what he wanted too, he is the same as Fletcher and he is happy.
Really enjoyed your reaction. J.K.Simmons pulled no punches and that oscar was deserved. One of those few performances that can be quite challenging to forget.
I played drums for over 10 years as a kid in high school/college. The blisters, suffering and frustration are the most accurate part of this movie, I still have scars on my hands as a 29 year old. Big ups to El Estepario Siberiano for bringing back my passion. Rock on dudes 🤘
El estepario is a beast! 🤘🏻
I can confirm. Never played in a big-band or jazz in general, only in some rock and punk bands, but I had my fair share of blood and blisters - and the frustration when you just can't nail THAT part. But I guess the style doesn't matter that much.
Miles Teller plays the drums but had to adjust to a more classical jazz style. JK Simmons meanwhile has a BA in Music.
I just wanted to say, I absolutely love your compassionate and empathetic soul. It's a big reason I love your reactions, because you really feel the emotions of what you're watching. Thanks for being so genuine!
A professional jazz drummer made a great point, he said this story was like how a teenager would relate a story of a relationship breakup. The plot more or less tracks but the emotions get amped up to ridiculous melodrama levels. Being in an elite music academy as a student can *feel* like what happens with Andrew in the story even if that's not actually what happens.
**12 seconds in** "That was intense"
Oh, Angela.
@@CarefulWithThatAx 😭🤣💀
My favorite J.K Simmons quote:
*”THEN WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY SO!!!?”*
*~Fletcher*
@@reverseprime141 My favourite is "Get out of my f**ing sight before I destroy you...I can still see you Mini-Me!!!" 😂😂😂
crazy how drummers ACTUALLY go through this at some point. this movie is INCREDIBLY accurate
Excellent choice, Xander!
Angela, hope you've recovered from watching this. Thank you for enduring the rollercoaster this movie puts you on for our entertainment.
I love this movie, its so fun to close my eyes and imagine our beloved Tenzin saying Fletcher things 😂
Tenzin has gotten much more stern since his Air Nomad days.
@@marchendrawidjajaonce he lost that magnificent beard it was all downhill
About that…
ua-cam.com/video/lmUi8YkPTxE/v-deo.htmlsi=YlES4kQOUQpXbf7M
this movie helped me realize that becoming legendary isnt for the feint of heart or the weak. you can be nice and kind all you want but you need drive, passion, persistence, and will of steel to push through all the BS that people put in your way that want to keep you from being the best. You will become the greatest but you will sacrifice everything for it, because life is all about trade offs. The law of Equivalent Exchange
I believe J.K. Simmons studied music in college and was thinking of being a conductor. So the director was gonna have a double to do the movements of the conductor at first for J.K. Simmons until he found that out about him.
I believe it was the director who said that this is a war movie without the war. That's the best way to describe the emotionality of this film.
I believe Miles Teller had already been playing drums before, but he learned jazz-style drums specifically for the movie!
On the opposite side you have J.K. Simmons, about whom, anytime I see this movie, I can't help but laugh how terrible he's at conducting.
@@masansr Yeah..😂 I guess because his role didn't hinge so much on the conducting part, he probably didn't learn as much as Miles Teller had to about the drums
I believe he learnt how to play Great Balls of Fire in Maverick.
@@masansr uh, his mom was a music teacher and his father was a director of the School of Music of University of Montana. J.K. Simmons himself graduated with a BA in music. He led pit bands and was a classical conductor, composer and singer. He didn't have any experience with jazz bands but he had plenty of relevant experience...
@@ImAlsoMerobiba Doesn't change the fact. That just means you can be knowledgeable and still suck at it.
The first time I saw this I was just flipping through channels. Caught it about 10 or 15 minutes in. I planned on using it as background noise as I worked on my computer because I heard jazz music. Before long, I found myself not working on my computer at all with my eyes glued to the tv. Magnificent movie and great reaction to it.
My d1 head coach was the sweetest, most personable and friendly person you'd ever meet during recruitment. He kept up that act for over a year. I went in as a freshman on a full scholarship and one of their top recruits, so I thought I was sitting pretty. Our first conditioning session in the fall, he ran us until even the vets and upperclassmen were throwing up. I got to a point where I felt like I was going to pass out, it was bad. I went over to coach and told him I didn't feel good, was very dizzy. He didn't take his eyes off the line. He just said "you can go back in line and keep running, or you can go the fuck home and never come back". That sudden shift in demeanor was eye opening, to say the least. He was my Fletcher, but worse. A diabolical sociopath with a hair trigger for a temper. As much as he tried to kill us physically (didn't mind that part), it was the psychological warfare that was truly twisted. Most people in the program quit, but I didn't come that far to let that prick take it from me. This was 25 years ago. He's still coaching today. I doubt he still gets away with all the shit he did to us then, but I'm sure he still has his ways. So yeah, this movie brings back a lot of memories lol.
I've been rewatching House MD recently and, although Hugh Laurie is irreplaceable, this movie made me think "What if JK Simmons had played Dr House...?"
He’d be amazing in a role like that
Don't make me rewatch that series with that in my head. Holy...
@@menolikey_ Sorry, not sorry
Hahahahahahahahaha... That's an awesome thought. Although I don't think House's impersonation of Jack Bauer would not be as fun.
i NEEEEEED to watch house😢
The relief comes when the credits roll.
Andrew is a man of focus, commitment and sheer will.
Somebody should have gotten him those pictures of Spiderman.
Such a great movie. Never a musician but this movie gives me such anxiety and just pulls you right into every beat.
"Hi, I'm Terence Fletcher, and this is my Masterclass."
for me personally, this movie really displays how striving for a profession can brutally destroy you and turn something you love into more work, with no fun. I feel like he sacrificed fun doing something he loved. I would much rather play music and enjoy the experience like I did in high school jazz band
25:55 no, he actually has something to pursue. I can relate to him, and I've learnt it the hard way that what he did actually is the right thing to do, which is being blunt and direct if you want that someone to move on and for HIM to move on and focus.
@lookatmyright That's exactly the issue though. He's assuming. You can't tell the future. You don't know how she'd be with his career and ambition. That's what he's doing wrong there.
@@isaacmelendez2241 That's actually a good point. I also learned it just like few weeks ago from my new girlfriend. She told me to never assume things (edit: about being in relationship, I mean).
There are some movies that are so good, but also so harrowing that I'm like, "I'm very glad I watched that, but never again." Requiem for a Dream is the first one I remember, but this one quickly went on that list for me.
Such a powerful movie.That tissue flick cracked me up 😂. Really helped cut through the tension. You're the best, Angela! 🔥
I think a good analogy for this movie is listening to athletes who have reached that all time great status. When I hear Tom Brady or Michael Jordan talk about how they push themselves to a limit that would break every other person, or how they need motivation through any type of adversity I can understand why reaching that fame and level is worth it for some people. Even in the movie with Andrew breaking up with his girlfriend and giving her that reason makes sense to me. You see those athletes say how its impossible to balance it, if you want to get to that level then you cant let anything interfere.
Guess I know what I am watching tonight when I get home from work.... I know how much Angela loves JK Simmons, I hope this did not hurt her heart too much seeing him be this mean in live action... I will find out tonight.
For most of us Fletcher is not a real person but an internal voice: Self doubt, hatred, criticism, limiting, we need to confront and overcome if we're brave enough to find our personal level of greatness. Great movie, great acting, great everything not like some recent "best picture" winners.
So glad you watched. I'm a drummer. Luv Buddy Rich. Love this movie. So intense.
As a fellow drummer, I rarely hear about tuning the drums to a certain note (it is possible). I mostly hear high, medium, low tuning.
In the end, both characters achieved what they wanted.
Glad you've finally came around to watching it. Left a like even before the video started
Love this film. I had a step father who was like Fletcher. His whole justification for the abuse was that he was "disciplining me", which I generally agree with, but not the way he did it. Finally got away from him after about 5 or 6 years, and life isn't all that bad. Got a decent career and have maintained an intense level of dedication to weight lifting ;)
I love stories that relentlessly ask the question, "do the ends ever really justify the means?"
Angela simping over JK was hilarious 😂
He’s just so…. Something. I’m not sure what, but he’s it.
One of, if not my absolute favorite movies of all time. Such incredible performances across the board.
This is how middle school band felt for me. My instructor was only kind of a dick, but my extreme anxiety and lack of practice made it suck.
Watching this movie made me feel twelve years old again in a bad way. By the time I realized I didn’t want to play trumpet, my father had already bought it, and we were poor. I felt rather trapped.
One day I messed up playing solo in front of the whole band, cried, and transferred out to a drawing class.
34:26 Miles Teller cracked two of JK Simmons ribs with that tackle! Moral of the story is to whenever possible USE STUNTMEN!
"Spit valves are gross." Girl im a trombonist. How could you say such hurtful things?😭 also it's true😂😂😂 but it's more condensation than saliva built up in our slides.
The obsessive pursuit of perfection set against a musical theme. It's a hard but fascinating watch and no one who watches it doesn't have that reaction of anger, disbelieve at the behaviour and fascination right to the end watching two great performances
I feel like this and Black Swan are a great double feature. Both about self-destruction in pursuit of artistic perfection.
Also, fun fact about spit valves: it's not actually spit. It's condensation from the player's breath. That's why you have to empty it more frequently before the instrument is fully warmed up, or if playing in a cold environment.
Reminds me of a band instructor I had once. He was known as the best in Canada.
16:50 YES. Absolutely. If you’ve been through it, and gotten to the place Andrew and Fletcher share at the end, you know. It is an obsession. And it’s madness. But living that dream… it’s indescribably beautiful.
I mean... that's up to whoever gets there. And even then, it's open to interpretation
I will say that while I aim to be an honest, good natured, law abiding citizen. I will gladly quote Fletcher if necessary.
Finally, a reactor who doesn't see this as inspirational. So frustrating to see people get massive hard-ons as Andrew pushes and rapidly improves through the immense abuse, as a bold and boisterous "FUCK YOU" to Fletcher, still playing his game, and then, ultimately, tacitly excuse Fletcher, because Andrew turns out to be great, in the end.
If this were inspirational, in the final scene, instead of Andrew and Fletcher looking deep into each others' eyes, and Fletcher smiling in approval, and Andrew's eyes lighting up with glee and deference, Andrew, instead, would have never looked him in the eyes, smashed another hi-hat in his face while he tried controlling his tempo, walked off stage to hug his dad, and then continued to do his thing -- moved on with his life.
Tragic.
Believe it or not, you can be great (or one of THE greats) without having to put up with Machiavellian manipulation and physical abuse...
Even the director himself envisions Andrew addicted to hard drugs, and dead in a couple years, after the end of the film.
Hey, alright, guys! He's one of the greats now! And now... he's dead three years later! Lmao
Best reaction to the film, that I've seen.
All of Damien Chazelle’s movies (including Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench, if it’s available somewhere) are very much worth reacting to. Just an incredible director.
False. La La Land is crap.
@@docsavage8640You’re welcome to hold that opinion, friend.
First Man is also amazing, but very very sad.
While a completely different genre, another brilliant movie that keeps you on edge for the entire runtime is Uncut Gems.
So...Xander is a real one :) Other people have already pointed out how this is a melancholy ending (ESPECIALLY given the writers/directors comments...), but I'm just glad to see us drummers get some love. :)
One of the best movies who deserved the oscars
My brother and I are both jazz musicians, though he took it much more seriously than I did and went to Julliard for two years. He came out an outstanding guitarist but HATED the experience because he met a lot of teachers like Fletcher and a lot of students completely willing to throw anyone and everyone under the bus to appease teachers like that.
You can kind of also see Fletchers effects one the other students also. It would be horrible to think that these students might also end up adopting his teaching methods, should they become teachers 😥😮
Your brother became great?
Fun! A really good and short lived series with J.K. Simmons is “Counterpart” his acting in that show was phenomenal as well as the entire cast, it had great writing, and a really fun premise. Also I can recommend two other J.K. Simmons films if you haven’t seen them, “Juno” (2007) and “Thank you for smoking” (2005) In any event thank you for reacting to this, and the other shows and movies on your channel!
I just wanna say thank you for destroying my eardrums. For some reason you were on my suggested videos and while I was scrolling down, the mouse happened to stop on top of the thumbnail and my volume was at 70%. The screeching "hey guys" almost killed me.
Some times you need to push yourself to find your own limits. Love you to all
There can be no achievement without adversity, there can be no greatness without suffering. We all know the hardest diamonds are shaped with the greatest pressure. I think deep down we all know Fletcher and Andrew are correct. People, talented people, settle all the time. They accept "good enough" and never achieve anything worthy of being remembered. I think the world owes a debt of thanks to the Andrews of the world that bleed for greatness and the Fletchers thats drive them. There is a reason every college basketball fan remembers Bobby Knight and no one gives a shit about the guys who came after.
Intense movie. Love it. Well deserved win for Simmons.
I felt like YOU needed a hug throughout this entire movie. The first time I saw it, I couldn't make it through the entire movie. It was horrifying. But now that I've seen it all, the ending was the definition of a "mic drop".
JK Simmons is truly a great actor... and if you want a fantastic Sci Fi angle with him... "COUNTERPART" is brilliant. Simmons is incredible and the story if FASCINATING. You'll love it!!
I got stressed just seeing Angela, that's how all the reactions should be!!!
Even though I wasn't a big fan of this movie there are a couple of things that I liked about it. The ending, but also, I like that the solo that Miles Teller's character plays at the end of the movie is the same one he's been working on/practicing since the beginning of the movie.
The director of the movie said that Miles Teller did 90% of the drum playing himself.
By the way the Charlie Parker becoming "Bird" story isn't exactly accurate. Yes, he did have a solo that he screwed up, but Jones did not throw a cymbal at his head. The cymbal landed at Parker’s feet. It startled him more than it threatened any bodily harm. Witnesses described it as more of a playful gesture than a malicious one; a way of telling Parker that Jones disapproved of his performance, and it was time to stop.
"I will gouge your f***ing eyes out." was such an empty threat. Neiman already took him down.
The journey from that to the genuine awe and concern of 'Andrew, what are you doing, man?' is one of my favourite parts of the movie.
One of my favorite movies of all time. JK Simmons ate this movie and deserved the hell out of this Oscar!
lmao Fun fact, I am also a reaction editor who constantly annoys my clients to watch Whiplash. Your editor must be a fine gentlemen with incredible taste.
Now you have to watch "The Legend of Whiplash" Tenzin Fletcher. Mixes the audio of Whiplash with LoK scenes. They are really short, you can watch them your own but hilariously perfect.
One puzzling scene in this film. Fletcher was willing to lie about the cause of death for his former student. In a room full of musicians in the internet age. Fletcher would have to have known that Sean's suicide would be discovered by his students. That monstrous level of deception makes no sense for a man of Fletcher's intelligence.
Great reaction.
I honestly might be more scared of fletcher than I am Omniman, purely because fletcher has the capability to be a real person
SAME. But damn, Tenzin would never.
this movie triggered one of my worst 5 panic attacks
This movie is so incredibly stressful but soooooo good too!
My assertion for J.K. Simmons at his absolute best, is in the, unfairly, nearly-ignored Sci-Fi series:
Counterpart.
[also starring the brilliant: Olivia Colman.]
...if you haven't seen it, you owe it to the actors, writers and creative team of this gem, AND: to YOURSELF!
🤘🤘
"It's not even gonna be fun anymore." Well, they're not studying to have fun. They're studying to make choices under pressure and stand by them. Artists make choices not accidents. And this is a competition band. (And J.K. Simmons makes a wonderfully sinister slavedriver.)
I went through something like this in drama school. Nothing this intense, but then I wasn't making a movie to heighten certain experiences for an audiences. I could probably do it today, though. But if I had a taskmaster like Fletcher at the time I wouldn't have survived. I would have crumpled.
Thankfully, I had the kind of teachers and directors I needed. Don't worry. You'll never see me on TV or in the movies. But I really enjoy what little work I get to do and my personal life is so much better for the experience.
I got what I wanted and needed. The money for it was wasted but the time was not.
Such an amazing film 👌
When I saw the title of this video, I knew our short queen was not ready for the gauntlet she was about to run through. JK Simmons did a fantastic job and if you've ever had a teacher/trainer/etc. in your life that treated you like this... it resonates with you. People should never be treated that way.
This film is insane, thanks for reacts😮🎉
Drum tuning is basically the same in nature as a trampoline
There are lugs holding the drum head and tightning it
You have to tighten the lugs evenly, so that the head streaches the same all the way around
The tighter you screw the higher pitched it's gonna be
It all comes down to personal preference.
If you are me you tune very tight so that the snare has a nice "pop", with little sustain. Quick in and out
Also like a trampoline:
Two people land on a trampoline simultaneously and they both stop
The same applies to a drum. So instead of hitting both sticks simultaneously
You use a "flam", where one stick hits the drum juuuust before the other
Giving ekstra noise, just like getting a boost on a trampoline
Have you ever seen 2007's "Across The Universe". It's a jukebox musical. All Beatles songs; interpreted by the cast. A love story between an British guy and an American girl, set in the late '60s / early '70s. With the Vietnam war in the background. Starring Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood & Joe Anderson. Directed by Julie Taymor.
My favorite movie of all time. I would LOVE to see your reaction.
Such a glorious film and emotional experience
My favorite reaction to one of my favorite movies. You didn’t try to overreact and play to the camera. This is the first video I’ve seen of yours and I already want to see more
In marching band in high school, the drum line was always at practice at least an hour before everyone else.
Great reaction like always, this movie is epic, this movie certainly had its fair share of stand-in and filmmaking magic at its disposal, Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons’s respective musical background ensured that their characters’ talents were well-realized as far as their musical talent was concerned. Teller had been playing drums since he was 15 and took on additional classes before filming to sell Andrew’s sublime skill on screen. Simmons on the other hand has a musical degree and played piano in the past and was able to sink into his role after a bit of practice before filming began.
While the movie is not an exact carbon copy of the 2013 short film that inspired it, there is one line of dialogue that made its way into the big screen that surprised one of its leads. After having successfully played Andrew to his own twisted whims, Fletcher decides to verbally abuse the unfortunate freshman during which the cruel instructor menacingly states that he “will f**k him like a pig”. Initially, the line was supposed to be “I will gut you like a pig” but Chazelle found the former hilarious (especially since that Simmons misspoke while delivering the line) and opted to use it despite J.K. Simmons deeming the colorful piece of dialogue ridiculous. Keep up the good work.
There are few movies (and performances) that stay with you like this one does.
Slow roll to creativity is keeping it in the easy zone that does not offend. Like in football when you want someone to hit harder and think faster piss them off in the most offensive way. Letting go of perceived negative thoughts will keep one's mind in the zone.
Imagine the precision it takes when ur trying to teach and show visually a lesson that involves slapping a student. 🤣😭
1. Cruel? Sure
2. Look at how precise fletcher timed his slap so that Andrew never finished saying the word “four” completely.
3.Seeing this scene a million times and I still can’t tell whether he was rushing or dragging when he was playing. As soon as Fletcher slapped him, that sht was clear as day that he was rushing. I’ve read that fletcher purposely “acting” so he could force Nieman to have that interaction with him. Just fkn mind boggling…the layers and the fuckery to come with it 🤣😭😵💫
See, in my opinion, Fletcher didn't have a fake personality to bully his students. The way I see it, him being nice and vulnerable is who he genuinely was, and him doing the cruel things he did is, in his mind, what he had to do to bring out the full potential of his students. That doesn't excuse what he did, but I think it is important to understand that he thought he was doing the right thing.
You have now unlocked the entire library of all the Whiplash + Omni Man memes
The only other movie that left me feeling like that (the same way you felt at the end of this one) was Joker.
This movie succeeded in actually making me doubt myself regarding Fletcher’s methods being justified (end justifies the means). Magic of cinema I guess, that it can get you to second guess yourself, even regarding things you considered wrong your entire life.
Would I do what Fletcher did to get someone to reach their full potential?, f*ck no.
Did it work in this case?… it did.
So where is the middle ground?…that’s the question this movie left me with.
I still haven’t found the answer.
Great to see you stumble on this gem of a movie. Remember watching this with my dad, who played jazz with the actual jazz director he was based off of. Apparently, JK portrayed him too nice. These jazz directors were monsters back in the day
Great reaction to an exhausting film. I could feel your stomach ache. 😖 I like all of your reactions, Angela, but this was my favorite. 👍🏼
Hey, I played the saxophone in a band when I was young. I had a director like him.
great video as always. If you like this, you're gonna like the whale (2022). great movie too
Not her crying in the first yelling scene 😂
I watched Whiplash in the theater when it came out and it was INTENSE. The writing of the characters is phenomenal and yes, Fletcher really does give you whiplash with his mood swings. He truly is a master manipulator, and the dynamics between an abuser and victim from start to finish of the film is really well depicted imo.
You can feel horrible but fletcher wins, the bad guy wins. He breaks him and molds him into his Charlie Parker.
Give La La Land a go if you’ve never seen it. When you talked about the camera man getting whiplash at the end of the movie - there’s a very similar shot in La La Land. It’s the same director, but having watched Whiplash a few weeks prior, I didn’t know that before watching La La Land. As soon as I saw that shot I knew for sure. Wonderful stuff.