Whiplash (2014)

Andrew Neiman is a first-year student at the prestigious Shaffer Conservatory in New York City, hoping to one day fulfill his childhood goals and reaching legacies like his idol Buddy Rich. Andrew is recruited by Terence Fletcher, conductor and bandleader of the Shaffer Conservatory Studio Band, to play in his ensemble as an alternate for core drummer Carl Tanner. However, he quickly discovers that Fletcher is relentlessly strict, ruthless, and abusive to his students. During practice, Fletcher physically and verbally attacks Andrew after he fails to keep pace during the rehearsal of Hank Levy’s titular piece “Whiplash”.

Determined to impress Fletcher, Andrew practices constantly until his hands bleed. In a jazz competition, after their first set, Andrew misplaces Tanner’s sheet music. When called for their second set, Tanner cannot play without his sheets, but Andrew claims he can perform “Whiplash” from memory. After a successful performance, Fletcher promotes Andrew to core drummer for the Studio Band, but he also enlists Ryan Connolly, the core drummer from a lower-level ensemble within the conservatory. After Fletcher promotes Connolly to core, Andrew continues practicing to his limit, breaking up with his girlfriend, Nicole, to give himself more time to do so. After a gruelling five-hour session with Tanner and Connolly for the core spot, Andrew finally earns it back.