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Scene Analysis: How Whiplash (2014) Makes You Fear Failure
Recently, I saw criticism online about the believability of Whiplash. The film follows the journey of Andrew Neiman, a first-year student and jazz drummer in New York City, as he is recruited by the famous conductor Terence Fletcher to play for the prestigious Shaffer Conservatory Studio Band. Neiman learns firsthand that Fletcher is an abusive, manipulative man. Still, Neiman brings himself to the brink of physical and emotional destruction to impress him. The film portrayal of abuse is shockingly realistic and prompts serious discussion surrounding toxic mentoring.
And that was exactly why I was so surprised, seeing common consensus online about the film’s lack of plausibility. After all, critics claimed, how could Neiman stay under Fletcher for such a long time without realizing that his teaching methods are abusive?
These critics are missing a critical lens of Neiman’s downfall. It was certainly sparked and driven by Fletcher’s teaching methods, but Neiman’s own blindsided ambition acted as the catalyst for a explosive climax. There are few scenes where Neiman acts without Fletcher’s influence, but his own desire to succeed can be clearly seen in one scene:
