MOVIE REACTION Drummers react to Whiplash (2014) Reaction/Review

Nate and Sean are both (lapsed) drummers and we made a reaction to Whiplash. Sean has seen this before and Nate doesn't even know it's about drumming. Thank you for watching!
We made a Patreon! We're working on getting the full-length reactions posted there now. Join if you want to! Thank you so much for watching!! / catchuppackets
Twitter @CatchupPackets
Music: www.purple-planet.com

[@catch-uppackets2664]

Hello everyone. I was unsure of the best way to deliver this news. Last week, our awesome Catch-Up Packets cat Angus unexpectedly passed away. It was peaceful in his sleep but we had no idea his time was coming to an end. We always loved seeing the comments about him, and you all could tell from the videos what a friendly and great cat he was. We will surely miss him. We will mention this in a future video but I thought I should say something in writing as well. Rest in peace little buddy.

[@kaipoh265]

😥 farewell Angus

[@artboymoy]

Awww... Damn. Sorry to hear this. We appreciate the time he spent with us and that his passing was peaceful. Very sorry for your loss.

[@scottb8454]

RIP to the homie

[@Jeffro5564]

Oh man I’m sorry for your loss

[@mvasqu762]

That's terrible, I'm really sorry guys. I know it's hard. ❤️ Wait for your human at rainbow bridge little guy

[@bottlerocket3218]

Fun fact for you: Before getting into acting, JK Simmons actually earned a degree in music conducting & composition.

[@zeitgeist1762]

Imagine seeing this movie, then walking into class and seeing this mf at the board LMFAO

[@goldendragon7853]

that. IS! GOLDENNN!!

[@handsomeX]

Yup. University of Montana.

[@fugo_8]

the ending was such a brutal but beautiful masterpiece. Neiman gained the approval of Fletcher, Fletcher got his prodigy, and the scene where his father looks through the door and realizes he lost his son, Fletcher won

[@abouttime2569]

I never got that feeling that the father realized he lost his son. The father always supported his son but he never didn't truly understand his passion or talent in drumming. When he looked through the doors of his son playing the drums, that was the first time he felt how much passion he had and how much of an importance drumming was for him. It was an eye opening moment for the father.

[@shawnellesmith]

@@abouttime2569 No it wasn’t. It has nothing to do with passion anymore. It’s about Fletcher’s obsession to find the perfect drummer and Niemen wanting to be that. Neiman’s new dream is now about gaining Fletcher’s approval; even at the cost of his own happiness; and his father is witnessing that. The director of the film confirmed that Niemen did become the greatest drummer in the world, but he had a life of misery and addiction which led him to die of a drug overdose at an early age. I believe the main point of the film is that ambition for success should never triumph ambition for happiness. If Neimen had never met Fletcher, he most likely wouldn’t have been a world famous drummer, but he would have had happier life; raising a family and still drumming out of love for it.

[@susantpatnaik7398]

@@abouttime2569 nope. The father realized how his son went crazy to gain the approval of a guy who kept tormenting him and treating him like shit

[@Jaesee]

To me, the movie has nothing to do with the moral justification of Fletcher's approach to music, or Neiman getting brainwashed by him or his dad losing his son. It's about this absolute passion and obsession for perfection that leads to Neiman playing the best performance of his life. To me, that look that his dad gives is a look of awe, to watch his son become the musician he never could be. It's a movie about art, not a movie about Fletcher

[@nicetrydick]

The father realized his sons greatness at the end.

[@AnimationNation2004]

I actually have a director that’s like this but without the swearing. Everything else is accurate. The throwing shit, the yelling, the insults, the calm persona at first, nitpicking the most minor of details, everything but the swearing.

[@oIRONITEo]

Band director for my High school marching band was this way too. No cursing cause that'd get him in trouble with the school, the yelling, throwing stuff etc. all the same. He treated it like the football team. Would get pissed and leave to take walks around the block leaving us standing at attention for 20 minutes straight instruments ready in case he came back. His Drum major making anyone who moved to do push ups. We were the best competition band in the area despite being in the smallest class, our band with like 30 members were able to enter and take first place against the biggest schools in class A and AA. Honestly sucked at the time, but winning those competitions made the struggle worth it. Some of the best times of my high school career were celebrating wins with my friends who had gone through it with me. Wasn't for everyone and I still think the director was a dick who could accomplish the same thing with a better demeanor but what he did worked.

[@arthurluay9002]

Exactly, my choir director was the same. For a football town, we had more first place trophies than all school sports combined. When he left, the next choral directors were too nice and the discipline was just wasn’t there. We weren’t winning first any more

[@sofarsogod]

Ive had a music school teacher like this, the guy was insane I was 7 years old at the time. I still remember it as the craziest shit ever. Im wondering where he might be now. xD

[@Roikat]

My band director ruined an expensive silver trumpet by throwing it at my head (I ducked). Foolishly, it was HIS expensive silver trumpet.

[@CheerfullyCynical829]

It's just not funny without the amazingly creative swearing!

[@MsMelyjean]

Let's acknowledge how Duke Ellington's "Caravan" still slaps.

[@federicoleone6162]

it's a movie about the bad guy "winning" without the good guy "losing". In that look at the end, it was told to us that they both succeded: Fletcher created the new great and Andrew became one.

[@ryans413]

Kinda Andrew actually lost he is so broken by Fletcher he dose not realize it. Andrew thought by going back and showing up Fletcher that he would finally get Fletchers respect but Fletcher dose not care about anyone all he cares about is his ego. Andrew thought he won but it was actually Fletcher. The look on the dads face he knew he lost his son.

[@federicoleone6162]

@@ryans413 I don't think they really cared at that point about each others opinion. my opinion is that midway through the solo they both realized they achieved what they wanted from each other, which was to create/become one of the greatest musicians ever, nog really win the other person over. Andrew was excited to enter fletcher's program because he knew that to become great he had to be taught by him, he was interested in what he could gain from the relationship, not really the relationship in its self

[@imdeejayem3705]

fun fact: the ending where fletcher and andrew look at each other, it’s revealed that he actually told andrew “good job” which are the two words fletcher said are the worst things to ever say.

[@visubot1887]

the first scene with Neiman and Fletcher shows that Fletcher already witnessed Neiman working his ass off in off-hours (what feels like off-hours), so he knows he practices enough. Enough to even know pieces by heart, hence, the folder incident. Fletcher most likely did it himself just to see if Neiman really knew the piece by heart.

[@ryans413]

Fletcher is an abuser he probably just took the folder to abuse the other drummer

[@sample.text.]

Miles Teller was in fact a drummer before the movie, but practiced religiously for this movie and does actually play around 90% of everything you see in the film. Jazz drumming is not for the simple drummer so that is just an impressive feat on it's own.

[@HenryFordOfficial]

that's not true, it's obvious from how bad his technique is all the shots with his face in them are sped up and digitally quantized, all the shots of only hands were done by a real drummer

[@jamesscottvideos]

Creating music may be motivated by love. But performing well is a discipline.

[@arkham5940]

exactly, they are talking about creating music, but what he was doing there is practicing and getting better and that you dont get with love, this dudes from the video are like the generic musicians that say music is love and they dont even undertand what it means

[@elitezenkai9435]

​@Arkham I agree, bands like queen and black sabbath are notorious for having in fighting within their bands, constantly pushing each other and clashing in hopes of getting the best possible product.

[@shivampachauri1200]

Ever wondered that these guys might actually know about what music and performing well actually means and takes rather than you all... Which no offense cause I'm like you... Are just a bunch of people who know significantly less about music and performance than those two.

[@sofarsogod]

@@arkham5940 Its facts, to become great you have to pretty much fuck yourself up everyday for many years. Paganini, Steve vai, and many other great soloists practiced for more than 8 hours a day. And I bet it goes the same way for any other extremelly skilled musician theres no other way to get there, technical music like classical or jazz is not for pussies, same as being a gold medalist or a boxing world champion it takes big time sacrifice and strength. And I bet it also applies for being a pop artist. I know the kpop musicians barely sleep they have to go concert after concert and they are always practicing. So nope, theres no easy path and maybe Fletcher isnt that wrong. Michael Jackson said he wouldnt be MJ without his abusive pychopathic father.

[@Yukooo333]

Don't tell me you think what fletcher did is good 😕

[@rxhx]

I think the main point of the movie was to explore obsession as such, not so much the sincere love for music or to be a great musician, but the addiction of perfectionism.

[@huvrmedia]

The shot of his dad's face from side stage during the final drum solo is the best frame of the film imo

[@jakobjeremyfraga2083]

If that teacher talked to me like that. I'm sorry but we got to fight. LOL 🤣

[@uhuhuh1966]

“You can’t get the best out of the best by being abusive” works in the military 👀

[@emilio556]

As a Drummer and also being in the military, this comment made me chuckle

[@philthemovieguy81]

That break up scene was brutal. And I can understand where he was coming from, *to an extent* . I can completely understand being so passionate about something that I'd want to give it 100% of my attention and concentration to it. Which will leave no room for giving attention to a partner, whom, I have no doubt that after some time they will in fact want and need the attention. And that will lead to arguments and feeling neglected. And as a creative person like myself who does put so much of my time and energy and attention and passion and concentration into what I'm doing, it's not bad and not wrong. But what did make him an asshole was his approach in the way he told her. What was said was not the bad thing because there's nothing with saying "Look, this is all I'm gonna have time and energy for. Being in a relationship isn't something I'm not gonna be able to give any attention to, and because i care about you I would much rather spare you from feeling neglected in the future." Telling the other person that basically they're not gonna be important enough to spend time with and eventually they're gonna end up keeping you from doing what you're passionate about does make you uncaring and very much an asshole.

[@oddeagle1968]

What a couple of very nice young men, your empathy is felt through the video. I have been a drummer since 1982 and was in the local school bands where I grew up, and can recall folks who were k i n d a like Fletcher, but waaay toned down, never violent or anything (I am from an era when hazing was anticipated and encouraged). Your reactions to his rants/abuse/psychotic episodes are so touching and admirable when letting us know that crap is not cool, but he did it to extract the gems from the cobbles. I enjoyed this video and will watch others soon Subscribed!

[@catch-uppackets2664]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@orangewarm1]

It's kind of a Gordon Ramsey style. If you watch his early series, people were quitting every shift.

[@naynay3710]

I just found you guys and have been binging on your The Expanse reactions. I've loved watching Angus come to each of you for attention and skritches. He was such a sweet kitty. I'm glad he went peacefully. I'm sorry for your loss. This was a great reaction. I've seen this film once before and loved it. It was cool listening to the two of you, as musicians, react to what was happening on screen. Really a well-done film.

[@sindrevangenrobberstad2889]

It was a treat watching this. You guys seem soft-spoken, wise, and very pleasant. It felt like watching a movie I love with a couple of friends

[@catch-uppackets2664]

Thank you!

[@ThunderbackOG]

So Miles T was already an avid drummer before getting the part, but he and the director took the Music for this Movie VERY seriously. Every last bit is played for real.

[@TTM9691]

Wrong. There's not a note of music played in this movie that is live before the camera, they're miming it all (which is so freaking lame). He may be a real drummer, and he may have played the drums in the recording studio for the track that they mimed to (although I doubt it), but that's not live music in the movie. You can't tell? He's just moving his arms, it hardly even matches. And then they keep cutting to close ups of his face. If he was really playing, they'd want to show that: by filming it in a medium shot, with few cuts. Your comment is what happens when you believe the hype around a movie, but don't know anything about the subject.

[@fa5t89]

@@TTM9691 He did not say it was live during the recording. No one in film does that. It would be impossible to cut, without having every camera angle set up simultaneously. In the making of the movie, you can see Miles Teller play the songs live. That guy trained his ass off. Yet you say things like *(although I doubt it)* without doing any research or providing evidence beyond your opinion. You are just a clown who has not the slightest idea about the things you are talking about.

[@TTM9691]

@@fa5t89 Right! So don't cut! SHOW the drumming. Cut-cut-cut has NEVER served music performances on film EVER. That's ALWAYS the beef. Have a medium shot, and show the drumming. Or, if it's live with a band: you have multiple cameras going. This isn't rocket science, it's been done before, they just chose not to do it, they cut corners, and it shows in this movie. I don't need a lesson in movie-making, nor drumming, nor the presentation of music on film and video. You film music like a sporting event: you're filming what's happening, not trying to make it happen in the edit.

[@HGR555]

​@Tic Toc Melody it wasn't played live, but teller is a drummer and worked with actual drummers for several months to change his technique for jazz drumming. Juilliard drummers watched the scenes and talked about how it looked like he was really playing it. Stop lying on the internet to be edgy

[@senatordodo4240]

@@TTM9691 its super lame to not play the music itself? Most of these people are actors by trade, they get the effect that they are going for, its not about the music thats being played, its about the characters

[@Alisha1686]

Omg❤❤ His purrs and meows for attention. My heart is melted. Im so sorry for your loss. Rest easy Angus🙏🙏

[@nyjazzman]

There's a line between a teacher motivating students by bullying, vs imposing discipline without the bullying. I think that musicians want to play better and constantly improve, that's more motivated by love for the music than by some screaming, cursing, chair throwing maniac.

[@artboymoy]

Great reaction from couple of drummers. IMO, the dude got to finally earn Fletcher's approval. Not the best message for life, but I'm sure Fletcher sees it as ends justifies the means. I love watching the end with the sabotage and comeback and throwing Fletcher off. Epic. I also went into the arts for my education and career and it wasn't until the family accountant said I was doing okay, did my parents think I would succeed at it. Parents just don't understand. :p

[@shredd5705]

As a drummer, I think the bleeding part wasn't realistic, you don't bleed like that no matter how hard you practice, unless your technique sucks. Tenosynovitis yeah, bleeding no. But they wanted to drive the point home visually for the non-musicians I guess

[@illuminatiCorgi]

Miles had previously drummed before the movie but practiced like a mad man for the movie 🫠

[@mannya.h.967]

Teller didn’t perform the majority of the most advanced pieces, like Caravan at the end. But it’s edited so well it seems so, and not to take away from Teller as he is a phenomenal drummer

[@evilyxof]

RELATIONSHIPS ARE DETRIMENTAL TO SUCCESS, I think if you want to be majorly successful, you have to not be in love.

[@SKJESUS-qk5qy]

The rooting out the Charlie Parker’s or whatever through seeing who could mentally take it is literally exactly what our military does and it works lmao

[@joka619]

what a film! a true masterpiece! :D great reaction as always, and loved the discussion post-film.

[@Laizerdisk]

Hey great commentary! Loved how quickly you both picked up on the more subtle dynamics between Fletcher and Andrew, and themes that took me much longer to figure out myself. Didn’t realize how tragic of an ending it is when you really think about it until years after my first watch, it just hit me that this guy has isolated himself from the only people who really cared about him to seek the approval of a fucking psychotic man. Heavy stuff!

[@Penguin-wm7cf]

From IMDb: 'Miles Teller has been drumming since he was 15 years old, he took additional lessons 4 hours a day, 3 days a week to prepare for the movie'

[@artboymoy]

I missed this movie when it came out, but after it won a number of awards and being a fan of JK Simmons, I checked it out and found it really entertaining. Well crafted and exceptionally acted an performed. Melissa Benoist (Supergirl!) is nice part in this movie.

[@slavaukraine5245]

There will always be a drummer named Nate. -Nate the drummer named Nate

[@darktake1234]

Great reaction, makes a difference coming from musicians & I couldn't agree more, great music comes from love and music's ability to make you feel completely alive in the moment.....

[@XanderWhat]

Glad I finally watched your reaction! This is one of my all time favorite movies and I was avoiding your reaction cause I saw a couple other “Drummer Reacts to Whiplash!” videos, which may as well have been titled “Watch Someone Completely Miss the Point of Whiplash!” But you guys totally got it 🙂 Great reaction

[@TTM9691]

I see, so because real musicians recognize this movie for the piece of s**t it is, they "miss the point"? Take your thumb out of your mouth, diaperboy. Music ain't "Full Metal Jacket", sorry to burst your bubble. The drum scenes were simply filmed atrociously and it's never him playing live in front of the camera, he's just moving his arms while they put dopey close-ups on his face (ie: to fool morons who think the "guitar face" is what it's all about). I've never met a musician who has any regard for this movie, and definitely not music teachers. I certainly don't, and we all WANTED to love it. Wasted opportunity, but then again, what does it matter to the bewildered herd (like "Xander What", lol)

[@antangin7269]

I like your POV as a drummer, so objective.. comparing your drum learning process. so we know what really happened in that process.. good job mate

[@hangry3102]

The ending in my eyes has a double meaning. Neiman teaching Fletcher (his abuser) that he is his own performer now. While simultaneously showing that Fletcher still figuratively gets what he wanted because Neiman technically succeeded through his abusive methods. Though I think an overlooked detail is that Neiman only got the confidence to take control of the situation after his father hugged him, which tells me that Fletcher's approval wasn't Neiman's primary goal anymore, but to be recognized by everyone watching, including his father. Fletcher's smile was just the cherry on top.

[@snakeinthegrass20]

Fletcher DID take the folder- it was revealed years later

[@taa347]

JK is such an unbelievable actor and as others have already said, the beauty of the movie is the bittersweetness of the ending. Everyone got what they wanted in the most toxic possible way and it's beautifully sad

[@thievingx]

the cat in the video was the cherry on top, great video :)

[@littleghostfilms3012]

A really thoughtful and insightful reaction. This film is really a gut punch and takes no prisoners. To me the ending is really left ambiguous as it should be. Yes, Neiman and Fletcher share knowing smiles which might seem to show they have arrived at some synergy and acceptance. But who knows what happens next? Is all that mayhem that happened swept under the rug, compartmentalized by each of them. Do they become best buds? Probably not likely. Wouldn't the cycle of codependency just continue. Fletcher is who he is, and Neiman is still going to be an obsessive, approval seeking maniac. Each of them will probably keep causing emotional damage to others.

[@JoseGarcia-of3uw]

Ty for this reaction because I watched it and liked it and everything but felt like I didn't even get the point glad I heard your commentary:)

[@fictionlover2064]

I really loved your commentary!!!

[@EvetsZerimar23]

Adversity helps you to be unshaken. When I was drumming, I was my own worst critic. The compliments I received were dismissed bc, what do they know? But I knew. Being the best is simply knowing you are. A place passed confidence and talent. Being able to access “the zone” at will. Never being discouraged. Few ppl experience “the zone”. The perfection, the absolute control of a moment. Where there’s no thought, you just exist.

[@theintroverse1905]

I was playing skyrim while watching you guys for the first time so that map in the back was a welcoming touch haha fellow Dovah

[@ChowDownDetroit]

One of the best endings to a movie I ever seen

[@Matrim42]

The actor who played Nieman already was an experienced drummer. He wasn’t a jazz drummer, but he knew his way around a kit. Simmons also had a background in composition and was a conductor. Neither of these facts were known to the filmmakers when they got the parts.

[@jmc5876]

Love watching milinneals completely whiff on understanding this movie

[@Epicurus48]

love how you guys don't pause every 3seconds to say uselessshtttt. good video !

[@airiquelmeleroy]

To me, the "lesson" of the movie, is to freaking push back against abusive teachers. I remember that in the scene "that's not my tempo!" he was actually following perfect tempo, just that Fletcher wanted him to say "No, I know I'm playing perfect tempo, you're wrong teacher" Because he never stood up to him, the teaching style of Fletcher was highly counter productive. It was only when at the very end of the movie, that he went against the teacher, and the teacher started *guiding* him instead of insultng him, that he finally got the approval from Fletcher. Highly confrontive, disagreeable and intense people always hurt people that aren't as intense as them. The "real world" lesson, is to not use fierce and power methods on quiet and "pushover" people. It will NOT actually help with the teaching, unless your objective is to stop him from being a pushover through force, in which case you are taking a huge suicide, trauma, dropout and deppression risk on the student. The teacher is there to teach him, not kill him, so he would have to first make sure the student can take it

[@Kaldurahm1]

Hey, look! 7:10 The theme of the movie within seconds. Glorious!

[@drnerdrage2535]

I love that they end on the climax as well, because its very bittersweet. Neiman gets to prove himself, he gets approval from someone he respected, and he shows people in the industry he is an amazing drummer, but sadly Fletcher wins as well, someone who doesn't deserve a win.

[@javiersobarzo685]

and neiman is fated to live as a "successfull" musician but being a sad piece of a human

[@DDC77]

@@javiersobarzo685 but u talk about him :D

[@javiersobarzo685]

@@DDC77 yeah, an example of a person who i don´t want to end like.

[@nuclearbirds]

I had a choir director who was like this except for the physical assault. She would yell, scream, prey upon insecurities and knowledge of trauma to exacerbate the performance she wanted out of us.

[@sodalines]

this is how you get the best of the best. In any real sport, or thing in life you want to learn and be the best in music is no different. You have to be pushed and pushed hard.

[@JoeAugustAcoustic]

So few people have first hand witnessed and experienced this level that they really believe this is a fictional interpretation when this script could be pulled action for action from any 1000 of directors, coaches, etc. I would term it being pushed way beyond where you're capable of pushing yourself. And a built in, ridiculous drive must already be present. Because just like this movie, plenty of people who are every bit as talented don't make it. They quit, lose interest or it breaks them. And Fletcher is a pos, as are pretty much all of his ilk and breed. But this is the drill they run and for a very small percentage of people, it works. It does royally fuck people up too.

[@SFranc]

The inspiration Charly Antolini: "CARAVAN" - The Legendary Drum Solo

[@samboy3835]

great reaction vid sirs

[@4256Dante]

This is one of the best movies of music that i saw in my life

[@mrGRA1276]

Another extremely intriguing take to denote on top of the countless other devices and meanings: during the final scene when Andrew’s father is looking in awe through the theater doors, pay attention to the performer’s phenomenal facial expression- is he astonished at simply how good Andrew truly is at his craft, or is he in complete disarray realizing that Fletcher “won,” and that Andrew technically fell back into his arms, regardless of both the pros and cons of leaders like Fletcher.

[@joematlock]

Well the timing of the expression is during the most epic part of the performance. If his dad was expressing disarray why does it happen then and not at the moment he walks back on stage? He’s responding to the performance and is realizing how great his son is.

[@somedumbspammer4408]

I think it's both. That's why he has a faint smile while he's looking through, because he's recognising his son's talent, but then it fades as he realises his son's given in.

[@alsitair]

loved this reaction

[@RustinChole]

22:00 dude. Many many of the greats of many instruments spilled plenty of blood getting amazing.

[@eastsiderage5532]

I knew Fletcher was a terrible and abusive person, but the last scene showed he was just pure evil. He was willing to get back at Neiman to the point where he would've not only ruined Neiman's career but every band member as well. I understand things worked out for both of them, but it don't change the fact that Fletcher is a real fucked up individual

[@jeffk1722]

29:51 ooooh just you wait till the end! (well you've seen it now, haha). Love how it can be interpreted differently.

[@BJ52091]

Thank you for the insightful thoughtful discussion back and forth! I was concerned that the commentary would be focused on what the movie got wrong about jazz drumming, that asking drummers to react to Whiplash would be like asking architects to react to The Fountainhead. Glad to see that you did not miss the point: that it's not about drumming per se, but about what it takes to reach a pinnacle. I'm not a huge fan of the screaming myself (let alone the deeply personal insults), since that only tends to exacerbate performance anxiety. It was about halfway through my first viewing of the film that I realized that Fletcher's tactics are exactly like those of a drill instructor for the military. Just like in the military, perfection in the performance of one's art is a matter of life and death to those who have chosen to enroll under Fletcher's command. It's obviously not literal life and death in this case, so we accept drill sergeants breaking down recruits to build them back into warriors. Most people would never dream of viewing jazz performance through that same lens, but for Andrew, to whom the achievement of immortality through the cultivation and performance of elite skill in his chosen art is more important than life itself, such drill tactics are exactly what the doctor ordered. Fletcher doesn't want students; he wants warriors.

[@alexarmandomendezperez3629]

I love this movie and you reactions and comments about the movie are enjoying

[@kokofoko]

Dude on the left of me - love you as the lead role in the Good Doctor. Keep up the good job.

[@catch-uppackets2664]

This has been said to me before, but I don't see the resemblance

[@jasoncox6380]

@@catch-uppackets2664 it’s more Jessie eisenberg

[@Retro_A.M]

Awesome videoooo

[@ImNotHereEither]

The overarching feeling I had after finishing and rewatching the movie was that this an allegory for the origin story for Fletcher. We wonder, what made him that way? That willingness to accept the toxic and hard knock cycle of an abusive and brutal, trial by fire approach to nurturing excellence. Rolled into the mythology of the greats and the idea that success justifies the means whatever the cost. Neiman rejects all other relationships, tenderness, love, and his only real connection is with his dad. I can’t imagine anyone tolerating Fletcher and he’s a solitary figure too. He’s sacrificed his own soul and humanity, which is what music should be about, in pursuit of an illusory obsession. Fletcher has no morality now. He’s what Neiman is destined to become. You see his first steps in this movie to give himself over to this goal. You can chart his future and shape into that of Fletcher’s. He’s alone, but brilliant, demanding perfection, and he’s even lost sight of what that means anymore, in life, or in music. It’s all about the struggle. Because that’s what defines the cycle of abuse. A never ending narrative of always being disappointed, expecting more than anyone should give, and being bitter about it because you’re unable to see another perspective. Because to do so, would mean that all that suffering, was for nothing.

[@michaeltaylor8777]

Great reaction to a great film!

[@lurgoyff]

Grettings duds! So cool that you both are drummers. What kind of music do you play/played? Still playing? Anything we could hear?

[@catch-uppackets2664]

No we both lapsed long ago but both took drum lessons and played when we were teenagers. My (Sean) preferred genre was punk and pop-punk!

[@kingbillajr]

this is my first time watching you guys , Great ass reaction!!, i wanted to say a few things { which might be long , bear with me } on down the line of your analysis of the movie at the end which is a good analysis but There appears to be a common misconception surrounding this film, as many grasp the essence of Fletcher's character on the face value. His approach to teaching is centered around pushing individuals beyond their perceived limits, employing harsh and belittling methods until they prove themselves capable of greatness. In doing so, he believes that he not only brings out their utmost potential as musicians and drummers, but also that he separates the truly exceptional from the merely competent or the just good ones, he demands that one prove their worthiness of being the best, It's a tough love approach aimed at separating the truly exceptional from the average ( also that approach being heavily packaged with abuse and manipulation) . Fletcher isn't interested in those who settle for being just "good" or comfortable, This is evident in the final scene, where he tests Andrew by presenting him with a piece of music he's never heard before, without any sheet music to guide him. It's a make-or-break moment, where Andrew must decide whether to crumble under the pressure or rise to the occasion. Yet, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, Andrew rises to the occasion. He taps into a well of untapped potential, showcasing an extraordinary level of adaptability and improvisation. While some may view this as a triumph of the human spirit, others may question the validity of a teaching method that relies on subjecting students to relentless pressure and emotional manipulation. Ultimately, the film forces us to confront our own values and aspirations. Are we willing to sacrifice our mental well-being and self-esteem in pursuit of greatness? Is it acceptable to subject ourselves to harsh treatment in the hopes of reaching our fullest potential? The story raises important ethical questions about the boundaries of teaching and the psychological toll it can exact on individuals striving for excellence. ...................sorry if that was long but that was my analysis!.

[@josef5692]

I like how once Neiman is told the girl has a boyfriend he realises that he did that to himself and there’s no other way but going forward to be the greatest drummer (like he said when breaking up with her). But it is sad since himself and fletcher have molded Andrew into a soulless, machine.

[@joe24andrews2]

I had a coach like fletcher in my sport and it was one of the best coaches I had

[@TheOrigionalPineapple]

So miles had been playing the drums for years prior to the movie but he did need to learn that jazz style of music for the movie

[@josephcline3652]

What I get from the ending of this movie is that Fletcher was a terrible person and Andrew knew that. Andrew wasn't going to let Fletcher ruin him and his career, and he unfortunately deep down knows that the reason he is so great is because Fletcher was so diabolical. He has become Stockholmed into accepting that he must overcome that horrendous pressure in order to get anything out of it. Otherwise, his emotions might ruin his drive and passion for it.

[@MrBodies07]

Director said of the movie that, if you were to continue following Andrew's story, it would probably be a very sad story

[@neilmcintosh5150]

That was the director trolling his viewers. Which is why it's such a good film.

[@groverkiinmuppetborn714]

@@neilmcintosh5150 This is a quote from an interview with director Damien Chazelle: "But I had always thought, when writing the film, that the ending had always veered a little more on tragic than triumphant. In terms of a lot of responses to the movie, at least from what I’ve seen, the ending seems to be interpreted as a little more triumphant than tragic. Again, that’s not something that I’m upset about. If anything, it makes the movie more enjoyable for people, but it has been a really interesting thing to observe. I had always intended it to be a pretty dark ending." So I don't think he was trolling.

[@neilmcintosh5150]

@@groverkiinmuppetborn714 I still maintain the director was trolling. Same with the new movie "Tar".

[@thatsprettylunchean]

@@neilmcintosh5150 Why is he trolling?

[@neilmcintosh5150]

@@thatsprettylunchean Because that's what directors do.

[@rxhx]

I do agree Fletcher about the "good job" part though. The rewarding and good-job-ing has been done to a point where everyone for whatever crappy performance gets a 'medal'

[@TreyDZd]

Such as?

[@rxhx]

​@@TreyDZd For example schools and some low level sports, where the simple act of completing a task, even if in a lazy/crappy way, is awarded with medal/diplom/star/whatever and everyone is treated as winner. Finishing a thing is good, but it should not be treated equal to finishing a thing in a legit exceptional way. Fletcher took it too absurd levels but his point in general makes perfect sense to me.

[@alvarosuarez1267]

I only noticed it on this watch, and after you pointed out he kept mispronouncing his name. When Fletcher tells Neiman he's done, he pronounced his name correctly.

[@MrfuckinBeilke]

This channel needs more subs. Wtf

[@catch-uppackets2664]

Thank you for watching! Tell your friends!

[@botero01]

fascinating, thanks for sharing

[@lobstergirl]

this is the first video I've seen of "drummers react to whiplash" that wasn't so unbelievably pretentious. Im gonna go out on a whim and say most musicians dont know much about movies, but it's obvious you guys do. This is not a movie about drumming, sure it drives the plot, but it's really about an abusive relationship. Most drummers dont realize that and just nitpick the hell out of it saying "uhhhh thats not accurate at all, this movie sucks."

[@user-ji9vp2qp2e]

Which one is Ebert and the other, must be Siskel. Absolutely harsh, extreme and striving for excellence. Brilliant!

[@vincecommando7575]

I love the Johnny Utah reference. If you guys haven't seen Point Break (1991). Please react to it. I promise it will be well worth your time.

[@heyhey7423]

The greatest human achievements are born in either the greatest adversity or greatest love/freedom.

[@kamikazemelon787]

I couldn't get over the Breaking Bad fan art and Skyrim map propped on the top of the couch what the hell

[@danibnnuy]

amazing video

[@marsss8502]

miles teller has been playing the drums since he was 15

[@guangzhuyoon3525]

Again,not personally,but your reaction shows why so many people cannot be the best of the best and tell themselves "Chill,I do it for fun,blah blah blah"

[@theredpoweranger]

one of my favorite movies

[@SuperWhofan1]

Raging Bull was an inspiration to this movie. It’s not supposed to be reality

[@darkmode805]

J.k simmon is like Gordon Ramsay in music. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ozzycam9808]

Zildjian Cymbals were originally made in Istanbul.

[@Tophar01]

Can we at least all agree that Fletcher tells Andrew "good job" at the very end of the movie? I looks like he says something to him, but the shot is framed so close that you can't even see Fletcher's mouth and then Andrew smiles and plays that last 5 seconds and the movie ends. I can't think of anything else it could be but I guess they wanted to leave it at least a little ambiguous. It weird because Fletcher says that is the worst thing you can say to somebody, but I guess in his eyes, Andrew doesn't require that tough love anymore, he's made it.

[@Moogle]

miles teller is a self taught drummer

[@orangewarm1]

I think militancy might be good when drilling/learning. They're not writing music, just attempting to play pieces to perfection.

[@GrimmBones]

The thing is, you most definitely CAN bring out the best performance out of people by being so harsh. The problem isn't whether you can or can't, but whether you should, and whether it's worth their mental stability, or not. And the answer should almost always be a no, as human life and health never was, and never will be, less important than creating an artistic legend.

[@MK-fz6il]

Miles Teller is actually a former drummer, so he didn't have to start from scratch.

[@Divinemakyr]

Think of this movie as Frankenstein and his monster.

[@jeagerkusanu6784]

not only jk simmons did great,miles teller did great too both of them delivered their character well.

[@slavaukraine5245]

He did learn to play drums for the role, he didn’t learn to play the more complex stuff you see though. That unfortunately takes years to produce.

[@anty7408]

Them: Music is motivated by love *Joe Jackson has entered the chat*

[@sushijuice6895]

it was sabotage, this movie has a lot of show dont tell. Tanner's book was stolen by Fletcher when he gave it to Neimen , and we later see Tanner's pages being used later in the movie. i guess Fletcher wanted to get the point across that they shouldnt be careless with their books while also getting Tanner replaced by the Drummer he Wanted in the first place, WHILE ALSO framing Neimen so he feels like everyone else would think He's only in Studio band because he sabotaged Tanner to take the spot, which would then lead him to want to Prove himself to the rest of the band.