Whiplash is one of those “out-of nowhere” films that ended up on the list of Best Picture nominees. If you’ve been curious about it, here’s your chance. The Lake Theatre has picked up the film for one week only, starting Friday. Actor J.K. Simmons (who you’ll recognize immediately even if you don’t know the name) has been cleaning up in the Best Supporting Actor category (Golden Globes, SAG) and is considered the favorite for the Oscar (although Edward Norton in Birdman was awfully good). The film has garnered five Academy Award nominations. Here’s the description of the film from the Rotten Tomatoes site (which, in spite of the name, gives it high marks):
“Andrew Neyman is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man’s life. Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability — and his sanity.”
Sounds intense. Classic Cinema’s marketing director, Mark Mazrimas, recommended it. “I finally saw the movie this weekend,” he said. “Don’t miss it.”
