Whiplashmay be a movie about music, but it is far from being your typical movie musical.

Andrew is not joyfully playing this music, but is practically haunted by it.

He plays so hard that he sweats and bleeds, and ultimately, nearly loses his life.

Article image

For the most part, these original songs have titles that indicate when in the film they appear.

These are the pieces that Andrew must struggle to learn, along with the rest of Fletcher’s band.

They have captivating rhythms, complex compositions, and encapsulate the intense ambiance of the movie at hand.

J.K. Simmons as Fletcher in Whiplash

Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

The 2014 movie Whiplash stars Miles Teller as an aspiring drummer and J.K. Simmons as his ruthless teacher.

What was the inspiration for the film?

During Andrew’s first rehearsal with Fletcher’s band, the students are instructed to play “Whiplash.”

Collage of Miles Teller as Andrew screaming and J.K. Simmons as Fletcher smiling wickedlyin Whiplash.

Whiplash is a drama that delves into the intense relationship between a young jazz drummer and his ruthless music instructor, exploring themes of ambition, perfectionism, and the costs of success.

They start the song over and over again as Fletcher continuously points out errors, causing mounting tension.

“Caravan” by Duke Ellington:The second-biggest jazz song that appears inWhiplashis “Caravan.”

This scene is almost agonizing to watch as Andrew bleeds onto his drums and disappoints Fletcher.

JK Simmons as Terrence Fletcher screaming at Miles Teller’s Andrew Neiman in Whiplash

“Intoit” by Stan Getz:Finally, there is “Intoit” by Stan Getz.

However,“Intoit” adds to theWhiplashsoundtrack because of its certified history as a real jazz song.

The songs range from over nine minutes long, to just over 30 seconds.

A collage of Terence Fletcher (JK Simmons) glaring and Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) lookng worried in Whiplash

In general,the jazz played inWhiplashis Big Band Jazz and Classical Jazz Standards.

Whiplashuses its soundtrack to create tension, not joy.

Overall,Whiplashuses music in a way that isn’t often done in movies.

Terence Fletcher (JK Simmons) conducting with intensity in Whiplash

While there aremovie musicals and music biopics,Whiplashuses its soundtrack to create tension, not joy.

The score is historical, emotional, and evocative.

The songs do not move the plot forward, but they do create an ambiance that is unforgettable.

Headshot Of Miles Teller

Headshot Of J.K. Simmons

Movies

Whiplash