How far would you go to be the best?
Nominated for best picture, best supporting actor and best adapted screenplay at the Oscars this year, Whiplash, a drama that explores the story of 19-year-old jazz drummer Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) in his quest for perfection, is the latest in the Kitchen Stove film series put on by the Penticton Art Gallery.
Neiman is a talented first-year jazz student at one of the most prestigious music schools in America, New York’s Shaffer Conservatory music school, and he aspires to become the greatest drummer since Buddy Rich.
Neiman’s passion is put to the test by the intimidating instructor Terrence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) whose teaching philosophy is based on humiliation and fear rather than praise and encouragement.
Fletcher pushes his students to their physical and emotional limits, showing them that perfection is a cruel and unforgiving pursuit.
Neiman is haunted by his father’s failed writing career and fears mediocrity in a film that explores the human desire for unattainable perfection and the toll it takes on those who strive to be the best of the best.
The film also stars Paul Reiser and Melissa Benoist.
Whiplash was written and directed by Damien Chazelle based on his time in the Princeton High School Studio Band and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014. The second full-feature directorial effort from Chazelle, who penned Grand Piano starring Elijah Wood in 2013 and wrote and directed Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench in 2009.
Chazelle has definitely found his specialty taking on emotional stories and combining them with the beauty of music.
The screening takes place Feb. 19 with showtimes at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. at the Landmark 7 Cinema. This film is rated R.
Tickets are available at the Penticton Art Gallery, 199 Marina Way and the Book Shop on 242 Main St. Series tickets are available for $38 for gallery members and students and $44 for non-members. Pre-purchased single tickets for the screening are $13 each and $15 at the door, subject to availability.