Birdman and Whiplash are both enhanced by their percussion-laden scores. We dig into the music of both of them...
This article contains spoilers for Birdman and Whiplash (including Whiplash's ending)
What makes a great drummer?
That's the question asked by Whiplash, which was up for Best Picture at the Oscars (although ultimately, as you more than likely know, didn't prevail). Damien Chazelle's thriller - easily the most exciting (and horrifying) account of music practice in cinema history - goes head to head with Birdman, another percussion-heavy flick. While the two share an instrument, though, their answers to that question couldn't be more different.
For Whiplash, it mostly seems to boil down to one thing: how quickly can you drum? The opening track of the album makes that clear, as we hear a snare drum banged repeatedly by Andrew (Miles Teller), faster and faster. "Can someone clean the blood off my drum kit?...
This article contains spoilers for Birdman and Whiplash (including Whiplash's ending)
What makes a great drummer?
That's the question asked by Whiplash, which was up for Best Picture at the Oscars (although ultimately, as you more than likely know, didn't prevail). Damien Chazelle's thriller - easily the most exciting (and horrifying) account of music practice in cinema history - goes head to head with Birdman, another percussion-heavy flick. While the two share an instrument, though, their answers to that question couldn't be more different.
For Whiplash, it mostly seems to boil down to one thing: how quickly can you drum? The opening track of the album makes that clear, as we hear a snare drum banged repeatedly by Andrew (Miles Teller), faster and faster. "Can someone clean the blood off my drum kit?...
- 2/21/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Two knockout performances and some taut direction make Whiplash an unmissable drama. No wonder it's up for Best Picture...
Whiplash is, appropriately, an escalating drumroll of a movie. Starting slowly, picking up the tempo and building drama to a final act where the tension explodes and this drum metaphor stops making sense.
Jazz drummer Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is studying at Shaffer Conservatory, a prestigious music school in New York. He attracts the attention of conductor Terence Fletcher (J K Simmons) and is recruited as an alternate in his band. Andrew quickly discovers that Fletcher is a master manipulator, keeping his band under a reign of terror. Whiplash follows Andrew as he engages in a battle of wills with his tyrannical music teacher.
Whiplash’s pace is relentless. Previously, Damien Chazelle directed one little seen indie film (Guy And Madeline On A Park Bench) and has a handful of writer credits to his name,...
Whiplash is, appropriately, an escalating drumroll of a movie. Starting slowly, picking up the tempo and building drama to a final act where the tension explodes and this drum metaphor stops making sense.
Jazz drummer Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is studying at Shaffer Conservatory, a prestigious music school in New York. He attracts the attention of conductor Terence Fletcher (J K Simmons) and is recruited as an alternate in his band. Andrew quickly discovers that Fletcher is a master manipulator, keeping his band under a reign of terror. Whiplash follows Andrew as he engages in a battle of wills with his tyrannical music teacher.
Whiplash’s pace is relentless. Previously, Damien Chazelle directed one little seen indie film (Guy And Madeline On A Park Bench) and has a handful of writer credits to his name,...
- 1/15/2015
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
‘Tis the season for awards, and while voters are busy weighing the merits of top Oscar contenders, the industry’s intangibles have fallen by the wayside. The year in film is comprised of so many movie moments and overlooked details that go unrecognized by Hollywood, so here’s a list of superlatives and unconventional awards that serve as an alternative to the prim-and-proper Oscars. There’s even more ground to cover than last year, so let’s get started …
Movies
Best Animal Title: Gold: “Birdman” Silver: “The Dog” Bronze: “Foxcatcher” Honorable Mention: “Big Bad Wolves”
Best Movie Set Primarily in One Location: “Locke,...
Movies
Best Animal Title: Gold: “Birdman” Silver: “The Dog” Bronze: “Foxcatcher” Honorable Mention: “Big Bad Wolves”
Best Movie Set Primarily in One Location: “Locke,...
- 12/31/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
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