There are no two words more damaging than "good job," or so music instructor Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) believes, but at what point does pushing a potential future musician become too far? Can one be discouraged or would they persevere through the pressure and achieve greatness?
Whiplash focuses on such questions; it's a story in which a very talented drummer hopes of being the best by attending one of the finest music schools in the country, but it's clear why it has received such a universal praise when he meets Terence Fletcher: he does not accept failure. Failure means the chance to continue failing. Be perfect; don't miss a note; don't be out of tune; or don't even bother at all.
Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is a simple person, he lives for the drums, but his relatives seem to believe his creative talents are far from great compared to that of sports achievers; the lowest form of talent, at least from a creative point of view, that is. His father doesn't particularly support him, although he does show that he just wants what is best for Andrew in the long-run.
The film shines with its artistic form of cinematography, with Miles Teller being a life-long drummer, the beautiful music played throughout the film is done so live. We see the pure artistic nature of Miles Teller through both his musical talents as well as solid acting. Emotion is strong within his character, he's willing to give up a sweet, loving student in which he takes a liking to -- sadly, this relationship does not take a positive turn towards the latter part of the film. Andrew's dedication to being the greatest comes before all. And he sure does show it in that final scene.