Reading this scene-by-scene breakdown reminds me how a great story so often has a simple plot. By simple, I am in no way diminishing Whiplash, which is one of my favorite movies in 2014. Its simplicity provides a clean, strong structure within which we can track the volatile relationship between Student and Mentor: Andrew Neimann and Terence Fletcher. Whiplash is a character piece, almost entirely dependent upon the execution of the two leads. The story beats follow a traditional pattern of three-act structure and even conventional plot points. But it's what writer-director Damien Chazelle DOES with the plot through the choices and actions of Neimann and Fletcher creates a powerful psychological study of obsession and desire for musical and creative greatness. In some ways, the story for Whiplash is the perfect example of that anecdote about Stravinsky I love. When asked by one of his students if he felt constrained by the limits of composing on keyboard, the piano's eighty eight keys, Stravinsky, arguably the greatest, most innovative composer of the 20th century, replied, "Not at all. Those eighty eight keys provide me a structure. Within that structure, I have total freedom to compose what I want." Whiplash is like that. As I said, this is a simple story with a traditional structure. But because these two lead characters are so emotionally charged and their combination as a 'couple' is so kinetic, they create one surprise after another. Let me end my initial thoughts for this week's series with this: The third act of this script is one of the best I have ever read. There is a twist... and another twist... and another twist... and another twist... each character-driven, each completely logical per the characters, yet each surprising in its own way. I can't wait for us to dig into this script this week, break it down to its plot points and sequences. It's a master class in how to write a three-act narrative infused with life by virtue of dynamic, compelling characters. How about you? What are your impressions in reading Whiplash? Reviewing the scene-by-scene breakdown? Watching the movie?

hmm, I think either I have a different cut of a film or there is a mistake in here. p.36-37: Neiman exits the building before running off as tears stream down his face. Back in his room he is crying before his dad calls. He explains Fletcher ripped him apart. Jim tries to get Neiman to come home, Neiman chooses to stay and practice. (Yes, his dad calls him but he doesn't pick up the phone. Instead he reaches out to Buddy Rich's CD and listens to it, then we see him practising.) p.37-39: Neiman tells Fletcher he won’t disappoint him. Montage of Neiman moving his mattress to the practice room and relentlessly practicing inter cut with scenes of Fletcher in everyday life, an ordinary man. Goes home to his apartment and is alone. (Neiman doesn't tell Fletcher anything. Next scene is p.18-22: Neiman and Nicole have their first date. They bond over pizza and music. They dwell on Nicole’s educational situation and Neiman reaches out as he senses her discomfort about the situation. They both seem like loners, more comfortable with their own company) and so on... I mean again probably i have a different cut which is strange in a way coz never heard of two versions of the film. Nevertheless thank you for breakdown :) I loved the story, film and editing

Also after this scene in the film (at least in the copy that i have) p.11-12 Neiman marches into the theater and p to Nicole and nervously tells her he’d like to date. She teases him before agreeing to Monday at 7. He floats off. CUT TO p.22-23: Neiman wakes up, he’s late. He rushes to get to practice on time. He arrives, and finds a sign up sheet stating the start time at 9am. He waits.

I have yet to watch the movie, but the script was perhaps the best I've read all year. Did anyone else see this movie as the inverse as Little Miss Sunshine? It kept popping up in my mind. The whole fun v. winning for LMSS; Obsessive self-sacrifice for excellence v. a healthy acceptance of mediocrity for Whiplash. Also, structurally it felt similar (mid point surprise death; great 3rd act, small story). Low budget, great casting. That thought had me wondering why LMSS was such a box office hit and this wasn't. Whiplash, to me, raised many of the themes that were/are part of the zeitgiest: Tiger Mom; was it Steve Job's harsh personality that made Apple or was he just a difficult person (putting it mildy) who so happened to be a great leader; the 10,000 hour rule; deliberate practice; Mark Zuckerberg and the Social Network; everyone should get a trophy or not; going after your dreams or being more realistic; finding yourself, explore possibilities or defined goals...etc. I saw these topics covered all the time on blogs, news channels, magazine articles, books, movies, etc. I thought this movie would resonate with many more people than it did.

Just had an obvious thought and I'll answer my own question: maybe these themes have played themselves out in the media and discussions?