WHIPLASH (2014) movie analysis

~Wide Shot~

As the movie starts, we see Neiman practicing drums before tragedy begins. Though we can see the passion as the white light hovers over him, it can also signify an era of ‘innocence’. This is when Fletcher is introduced. He grew more and more frustrated with his failure, but we can see this frustration evolve as Fletcher pushes him farther down a loophole of despair and obsession. A strong character with high status, of course Neiman wanted to fall into his trap. Although he did so unknowingly, it would soon affect his career forever.

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~Two Shot~

Neiman’s first rehearsal is already at a rough start. He enters the room and feels the tension hit him, although he knew the director was hardcore, he did not expect direct abuse. It started with Neiman’s competition with Ryan, just to spite him of his abilities as an improved drummer. But as he saw the consequences of ‘mistakes’ by his brass playing counterpart, he longed more for that place as first chair. Screaming in his face, we can sense the players vulnerability, later bursting into tears. Fletcher was playing the part of a two-faced aggressor, and there was nothing for the band to do but please him.

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~Full Body~

This is where Neiman’s descent into madness truly begins. For the following nights, he would spend hours trying to obey Fletcher’s impossible orders. “Are you rushing? Are you dragging? That’s not quite MY tempo”. Anything to ‘prove’ Neiman was worthy of first chair against Ryan and Carl. Though he eventually earned his spot, the abuse continued. The debilitating effects of this horror withstood life-long trauma to the drummer. Being critiqued for little things made his mind his biggest critic. 

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~Eye Shot~

A lighter color scheme is brought in, as the ‘light’ of a love interest is introduced. They seem to hit it off, sharing passion in the same things. But later on, Neiman develops a superiority complex. He disrespects her lack of motivation to music despite her attendance at a prestigious school. He cuts things off, telling her his true feels and coming off very strongly. This love interest, though it may seem irrelevant, really brings into perspective the ignorance and arrogance a person would develop due to unhealthy mental health and obsession. After their break up, I noticed the color sequence dimmed, natural yet uncanny.

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~Over the Shoulder Shot~

And it all ends here. The moment the band and Neiman has been waiting for. Despite Neiman’s horrific car accident, he still appeared at the concert. Covered in blood and wounds, missing his drum sticks, he worried Carl would take his place. He yelled, he screamed, he stormed off, until he forced his seat at the drum set. Though the tension of Fletcher’s eyes lerk, Neiman switches the set list to spite him. He focuses all attention to him. The unexpected drum solo leads to Neiman cueing the rest into ‘Caravan’. With many whip-pans and movements, this encapsulates pure talent and agony. Sadly, this is all he gets, as he loses a career of music due to the trauma.

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transitions~~

  

~alaska blog~

For this piece, I decided to use videos I filmed on my trip to Alaska this summer! I saw lots of beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and A TON of wildlife. I started off my ‘movie’ with a bear I saw in a zoo, and continued with dissolving it into a clip of snowy mountains covered in clouds. Then, I did a jump transition into a closer view of that mountain with a waterfall. With that, another jump shot followed closer into the stream. Finally, I ended it with a fade into a lake surrounded by peaks, where we soon spotted many beluga whales! I was happy to use these clips as they mean so much to me, and I think the music I chose really encapsulates my feeling of the wonders surrounding me.

🎶🎹~Cupid De Locke- The Smashing Pumpkins