Music is the most sensual of all arts, and this film plays entirely on our sensual experience.
It is difficult to soberly construct thoughts about this film, brilliant editing and directing make the viewer feel tired, happy and slightly raped, remotely becoming the place of the main character.
... And how to forget that the Hollywood idea of the Protestant spirit of capitalism, where success is achieved only through perseverance and suffering is sometimes harmful to the viewer. Very sadomasochistic cinema (not without reason and translates as ' whiplash'), where Fletcher is engaged in what kills musicians necessary for the creator of individualism and gives birth to learned helplessness. Fletcher hopes to find ' the very chosen' on whom his methods will work and who will not break from them and will not abandon art at all.
Similar films in Hollywood pond, as a rule, about sports, sometimes about art, where it often seems that the goal of the protagonist is not to become great in his field, but simply to get professional injuries and calluses. Well, at least in Lalaland, Chazelle does not romanticize it, but shows that for the sake of his goal, a person sacrifices his real happiness. In certain periods of life, this film can help the viewer, in others the opposite.
But I liked the movie.
Cinema that causes sincere emotions is not a frequent phenomenon. A movie that can motivate something even rarer. Of course, the story does not charge the viewer to throw all his strength to become a legend of his business, but demonstrates that this path is not easy.
Throughout the story, we see how a talented young man feels the emptiness of his inner world. He acquaints the viewer with the fact that his father is a simple man, and his mother is not there at all. The romantic and friendly part of life is not easier, because he has no friends and it is very difficult to build any relationship, even just looking into the eyes is a test of his own core.
Everything that the character lives is a passion for percussion instruments, which was laid down by him from a very young age. Meeting a man who in a difficult way allows him to reach his full potential is what this story is about. It is full of classic movie clichés, but conveys the whole range of colors of forces that the main character has invested for his goal.
The apogee of the whole picture becomes the final scene. It keeps in suspense, causing anxiety and showing how much perseverance it takes to look into the eyes of another person and see in them the strength, pain, repentance, love and fruits of hard work.
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The personal impression is that the movie is strong and not just took 3 Oscars. There are emotions both during and after watching. The actors are doing great.
It so happened that recently in the box office re-showed Obsession - one of my favorite films by Damien Chazelle - one of my favorite directors. Of course, I could not miss this screening, so I went and watched the film, besides, in the original.
To begin with, Damien Chazelle is a real author’s director, each picture of which can be recognized at first sight by his handwriting. I certainly love those directors. But the fact is that Chazelle is not just a good author director, he is also a REAL amateur, connoisseur, admirer and fan of cinema.
Obsession is essentially his first major film. Few people know, but initially nobody wanted to give him money for this picture, so he shot a short meter for the same motives, walked with this short meter to the Sanders festival and showed himself great there. After that, the studio bosses decided to allocate money to Damien, and he began to shoot the full meter.
And how good this guy was! His first film won an Oscar for Best Sound and Editing, and J.K. Simmons won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Isn’t that what it means to have a real talent in front of us, since his first major film won such awards?
But let’s get straight to the movie. What is it? In short, this is the story of a young drummer who dreams of becoming a great musician. The main character is noticed by a teacher recognized in music circles and calls him to his class, where he selects exceptionally talented musicians. In the course of the film, it turns out that this teacher is a real despot and tyrant, driving his students almost to suicide in search of a musician who can become great, so the main character will have to go a very thorny way to prove that he is the very great.
At first glance, the idea of the film lies on the surface: it takes more than talent to become great. It is also necessary to give up everything: all attachments, friends, personal life. And you need a mentor who will guide you through the thorns to the stars. The only question is, are you ready to take this path? After all, there are many beautiful musicians, but to become a great musician, you need to go beyond all possible limits.
Also, one of the film's main questions is whether a teacher has the moral right to drive his students to the point of self-destruction to find a great musician. On the one hand, of course not. Young students go crazy, have a huge number of psychological problems, and some eventually commit suicide.
But let’s say you’re a huge music lover, namely jazz. Jazz is the most important thing in your life. You have no family, you have no friends, you have only music to which you have given everything. And you realize that jazz is degrading, that in the last decades, there hasn’t been a single great new musician who can take jazz to the next level. And your goal as a teacher is to find a new great musician. In this case, you are ready to sacrifice people, play on their feelings and emotions, cripple lives, because your goal is noble - to give the world a new great! Does the goal seem to justify the sacrifice?
Everyone should answer this question for themselves. And the protagonist makes his choice. We don’t know what will happen to him after the final scene, but it doesn’t matter. The goals of both main characters have been achieved. They came to what they wanted, though not in the way they planned.
I remember the first time I saw this picture. I was shocked at how wonderfully the music is integrated into the film. I don't think I've ever seen this before. There are a lot of films with wonderful soundtracks and there are a lot of directors who pay a lot of attention to the soundtrack, but Damien Chazelle has done something incredibly new in terms of musicality. In the future, he will be able to raise this level to an impossibility in La La Land and support it in Babylon, but we will talk about these films someday.
And even more I am struck by the manner of the director terribly spectacularly put the final point in his paintings! In each of his films, the final 5 minutes is the apogee of the entire film. This is 5 minutes of catharsis, turning your consciousness and elevating your feelings and emotions to heaven. When the final credits start, you feel like you won't be the same again. It's like something's changed, but what? A real act of art has taken place, and no one can remain indifferent from a good act.
Damien Chazelle is a man with an incredible sense of taste. He is a real magician, able to create a miracle in 100 minutes of screen time. It's in every aspect of Obsession: the camera, the editing, the sound, the acting, everything is superb. As good as Miles Teller is, J.K. Simmons has something incredible about this movie. Acting game, worthy of real applause, which he collected, receiving the coveted Oscar.
But you know what? After watching the movie for the first time, I put it 9/10 on the Kinopoisk. After reviewing the picture now, I decided not to change my assessment. Damien Chazelle could not go the way of his main character in this film. As beautiful as this movie is, I don’t think it’s great. But maybe time will make it great, so we'll see. In the meantime, I highly recommend to anyone who has not seen this picture to enjoy it soon. Trust me, staying indifferent will be very difficult.
Andrew / Miles Teller / - Conservatory student, drummer, wants to become a great musician, ambitious and passionate about music
Terence Fletcher / J.K. Simmons / - student orchestra conductor, tough and rough, wants to discover / educate a new genius musician
A musical drama that has collected a huge number of awards at various film awards and festivals, telling about the confrontation between a talented drummer and an authoritarian and cruel conductor.
This is a really good and high-quality picture in which passions are heating up. And if at first, personally, I was sitting with the thoughts: “wow,” because the world of music is far from me, and drum music, if there is such a concept, I do not understand at all. By the end, my whole body was stretched with a string, and I watched every frame, the movement of muscles on the faces of the actors, listening to the sounds, as if all this was happening in front of my eyes live, and I am not quite an outsider.
The performers of the main roles deservedly received their awards. As a conductor, you wanted to run a chair at times, and you really hated it at times. And Andrew evoked a range of feelings from “Oh, you poor man”, to “what an idiot!” and “proud of you, boy!”
In addition to the theme of the desire for a dream and the price you are willing to pay for it, the film also raises questions of professional ethics, rivalry, true talent and simple honed technique, family relationships and support from parents.
The picture is largely autobiographical, the director himself played drums in a jazz band as a student, but his musical career did not work out. His teacher was almost the same as Fletcher, some of the phrases that the conductor pronounces in the film were actually pronounced by the director’s teacher. And you know, that's probably why there's not a hint of falsehood in the whole movie, and you get so into it.
A drum can silence an entire orchestra, but it cannot replace it.
Strange movie. Musical drama? – but the music is just the background. The story of the birth of a strong character? – but it looks like no one wants it, except the most “obsessed” drummer and his mad teacher. Maybe there are so many connoisseurs of percussion instruments, drum machines and other rhythm beats in the world? Or is it the drums that matter in jazz? In short, an unreliable plot, unreliable music, unreliable opposition of antipode heroes, for a narrow audience - drum fans. The whole film is a crazy rhythm of drums, an ambitious student and a mad teacher, and the rest of it (GG’s relationship with his father and girlfriend, relatives) is just a small background, it is not clear why it was done and does not reveal anything. Moreover, the main character has no relations with other musicians at all, which is strange for a jazz band.
The nuances of the American culture of social relations are actively penetrating the expanses of our country, so the film is worth watching at least in order to understand who should not be associated with either in personal or professional life. The story of Flatcher is a vivid story about a man with mediocre talents who is in the wrong place. Man in megalomania: the level of God who tells the stories of great musicians and his desire to go beyond what is expected is actually an ordinary person with an ideology and sadistic inclinations, who completely dehumanized musicians and used his power to mock them as he wanted. Bullying is always bullying, no matter under what sauce it is presented. Perhaps his orchestra and a sample of technique, but not to understand the main idea of the music you play and to be such a talentless and stupid leader who is not able to create a musical collective is, of course, something.
In their ambition, Flatcher and Andrew are similar. Therefore, confrontation between them is inevitable. And if Andrew’s life may teach you something else, explain on his fingers the truisms, then Flatcher is just the humpback who can only be corrected by one place.
Have you ever wondered what a person’s path is to become great? Talent, hard work, push from the outside? What should be the motivation to practice the same skill for hours, days, weeks, years in the hope of one day becoming the best?
Honestly, I don't have answers to those questions. The very realization that I will have to do the same thing on a regular basis for a long time makes me shudder. Consistency is clearly not my strong suit. Today I did one thing, and tomorrow I burned out and did something completely new. In such circumstances, it is difficult to master one skill to perfection, but you can try a lot. Maybe this is my way to try the world in all its diversity?
But Andrew Newman knows exactly what he wants – he wants to be a better drummer and is willing to wash his hands in blood to pursue his dreams. One day his performance is noticed by the conductor of the best student orchestra in the country and invites him to join the troupe. How stereotypically often shown geniuses in the cinema, so stereotypical in the picture of Damien Chazelle and depicted the conductor himself – imperious, ruthless, manipulative, but at the same time a real creator and creator. Are you ready to withstand the anger, anger and emotional swing from a mentor who wants to awaken a great musician in you?
After the tragic death of one of the conductor’s previous students, an investigation into Terence Fletcher’s teaching methods begins. At some point, Andrew breaks under the pressure of the teacher and it seems that the path to the dream is complete. Therefore, Andrew also decides to testify against his idol, after which the conductor is suspended from the orchestra.
The story could have ended there if not for the love of music. After some time, Terence invites Andrew to play the drum part at one of the festivals, which is important for the future of musicians – the jury members can give a ticket to life or close all roads to the professional world. Whether out of a desire for revenge, or deliberately manipulating Andrew’s feelings once again, the conductor substitutes the drummer and plays a part for which the drummer was not ready, as a result of which Andrew publicly hits the dirt with his face. But instead of breaking again, he takes the next rhythm into his own hands and begins to lead the entire orchestra. As a result, Andrew and the conductor become so obsessed with music and themselves that they give something “beyond the limits of human possibilities”, as Kinopoisk writes about it. Ironically, the final scene was very musical and inspired.
However, I still have mixed impressions about this film. Some bitter aftertaste because of the behavior of the main character and his mentor. Probably because these methods of teaching are not for me. But maybe that's why I won't be great, who knows.
On the other hand, the drum parts with an absolutely frantic rhythm and the general atmosphere of the film are fascinating and keep in suspense throughout the picture. So look, I think, it is worth at least for yourself to answer the question of your boundaries on the way to perfection.
8 out of 10
This film of the talented Damien Chazelle presented a very emotional story, telling about the beginning of the professional creative path of a young drummer, desperate to achieve the highest success in the musical field. In this he is ready to help a recognized maestro conductor who uses extremely extravagant methods to educate the stars of the stage. . .
Perhaps the main, clearly distinguishing among others, the merit of the tape is the acting duet of extremely impressive artists - Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons. Moreover, the first is not deservedly eclipsed under the onslaught of the film-critical press and all sorts of reviews pseudo-synephiles, furiously praising exclusively Simmons, who, without any doubt, demonstrated a performance of the highest class, presenting on the screen a surprisingly ambiguous character, from whom you never know what to expect. Miles, like 'Oscarbearer', showed aerobatics acting, revealing a hero who is ready to put his own life on the line for the sake of continuous improvement of his musical talent. Brave to the actors!
Undoubtedly, it is necessary to pay tribute to Chazelle himself, who entered the merciless world of the Hollywood film industry truly cheerfully, boldly and, as they say, snorting, first presenting the short work of the same name in order to obtain a sufficient amount of funds necessary for full-length shooting, and then surprising the world film community with the final cinematic result that brought fame and honor to the young creator. It is amazing that Damien’s success has not dried up on this, because his next film – 'La La Land' – has become even more recognizable and in some ways even a unique film phenomenon, collecting a scatter of award season prizes and a lot of praise from both critics and ordinary film lovers. And, in fairness, it is worth saying that both of the above-mentioned films of Chazelle are the best creations of his filmography, having an unsurpassed set of creative tools, which in subsequent films is not so deeply striking.
Thus, 'Whiplash' is a delightful cinematic work about the insane obsession of a young drummer who throws all his energy into achieving professional success. Acting work of Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons fervently enrich the plot vicissitudes of the picture, bringing the general impression of its viewing to a completely unattainable cinematic level, to which it is not so easy to reach similar tapes about the creative path of talented musicians.
In his first film, Damien Chazelle decided to tell 2 stories about musicians: about a young and promising drummer Andrew, who dreams of getting into a university orchestra and a tyrant mentor Fletcher, who wants to make this very orchestra absolutely perfect and able to play without a single hitch. And the first line can be described in the words 'Be the best, whatever it costs you' because Andrew puts everything on the line, including moral and physical health, but achieves his own. The conductor is also happy with himself, ' creating a new legend from the drummer.
The film is not so much about music as about difficult choices, emotional overload and character transformation. And largely thanks to the dynamics, throwing from calm conversational scenes in moments of rehearsal of the orchestra, the picture keeps in suspense, not letting go until the very end. Of course, it is impossible not to mention Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons, who give out some incredible performances and their duet on the screen looks amazing, both actors gave their best and the Oscar victory was absolutely deserved, one of the best roles of Simmons.
An interesting point is that the film begins and ends with the same drum shot, but the story unfolding between these moments is uniquely striking and by the end you can see how much Andrew has changed.
As a result, it turned out to be a great film with a great script and cool direction. Damien Chazelle debuted with a strong picture and declared himself to a large audience, in the future continuing to create the same incredible paintings.
9 out of 10
The picture of the famous film lovers of director Damien Chazelle “Obsession” (I will speak about the Russian interpretation later) gave me, how to put it, food for thought. But here it will be more correct to note that if any movies are treated to candy, then this film brought my brain a 3-pound cake. I think this allegory will be clear.
More specifically, what did the movie do to me? I could now, of course, provide a list of “flowercore, directing, acting, etc.”, but alas, brevity is not my sister. And to talk about this film briefly would be disrespectful to such a talented work.
And so I started with a very subjective view, which is hardly a review of what the film is about. Yes, this is the first thing I thought about after watching the film and would like to speculate specifically about the main idea of the film. History tells us about a man, at first glance purposeful and strong, he is ready to do anything to reach heights. And this cannot be denied, the main character is Niman, he really can become an example for everyone. But is everything as rosy as you might think at first glance? In addition to such a truly worthy human quality as the pursuit of a higher goal, Nieman crosses the fine line when from a good personality trait, it turns into an obsession. And here I want to praise the script work, which gave rise to such a development of the character. We see the preconditions for this behavior: the depreciation of his hobbies by his family, strained relations with his father and brothers, in other words, Niman felt like a white sheep in a family where his activities and goals are considered stupid. In order to prove them the opposite, the guy is ready to go to great lengths: he washes his hands into the blood with drumsticks, fights for a place in the orchestra and even dares to go against the oppressive teacher, which by the way is also an interesting detail. Initially, the film made it clear that Niman is a timid guy who is afraid not only to object, he does not look people in the eye. But as soon as it comes to his dream, we see a kind of personality shift from a quiet kid to a person who goes against all his desires and fears in order to prove to others that they were wrong about him. And here I want to conclude that my question, asked earlier, can not be answered clearly, because throughout the film the main character rushes from extreme to extreme. From Purpose to Obsession.
This is the Russian interpretation of the name. The original name "Whiplash" is also a play on words. On the one hand, this is the name of the music that the orchestra performed, on the other hand, if you translate literally “whip” or, what I like even more, “work from under the whip”, that is, work performed under duress (forcing one’s own personality to prove first of all that he is capable of something). And yet, the Russian title “Obsession” no less accurately reflects the thought of the film, and quite briefly and concisely.
Well, for sweets, for you or for myself, I don't know, but I've saved the amazing performance of J.K. Simmons, who played one of the main roles in this film. To say that he made a splash with his game is to say nothing. Of course, I do not depreciate the work of his colleague, Miles Teller. But the way literally through the screen you feel the anxiety from the character of Simmons, as if he is about to go through the screen and yell at you: “Not at my pace!”, this is in our time of mediocre and stamped acting, is very expensive.
Well, if you sum up, the picture, of course, clearly not to relax in the evening. There are no screamers in it, but it is able to tickle the nerves, make you shrink from tension and anxiety. And yet, if you want to please the eye with a stunning picture (and in order not to be unfounded, I will attach my favorite frames below) and no less interesting plot that makes you think, then extremely strongly (!) I advise you to choose this film for viewing.
10 out of 10
The film ' obsession' without exaggeration can be called a breath of fresh air in the cinema of the 10s. The film won love among all categories of viewers; from ordinary viewers to avid moviegoers. The main success, in my opinion, are two factors; this is strong script work and rehearsed to the smallest detail acting.
But like any creative product, the film ' obsession' may not appeal to everyone and will inevitably be criticized.
It is absolutely normal that people can criticize something that finds mass acceptance. But some of the criticism needs further discussion.
Some reproach the film for the fact that it is incorrectly shown in jazz and the actors do not fall into harmony with the music and generally play terrible music. I would like to say that jazz is not the key meaning of history, it is not necessary to dwell on it, in its place could be anything; art school, directing faculty or any sports section. I think it is better to focus on the main conflict of the film.
In general, you can always breed demagoguery, but the main thing I want to say to those who found the film unattractive is to look at it from the other side, give it another chance. This work is definitely worth it, because such works are removed today extremely rarely.
Obsession. I recently reviewed it. I decided to share. I won't write about the movie. I will share the rumors about its creation. This is Damien Chazelle's debut work. They say that the director of the first film wanted to make a romantic musical with a timeline of 3 hours. Big uncles of big studios refused to fund the project, since the musical in the 2010s is, to put it mildly, not mainstream. Cinema is, of course, an art (but that’s not true). And if there is a risk of losing money on this movie, then art may not be born, because capitalism is in the courtyard. And there's money, c#a, money... Therefore, the debut work of Chazelle, already established as a very promising young director, was ' more mundane' film ' Obsession'.
Obsession. This movie is not about music, although for almost two hours your hearing will be in the bliss of divine music. This film is not about art. Although the action takes place at the Shaffer Conservatory in New York, the best music school in America. It's a film about geniuses. Filmed by a genius. Period.
A very powerful and explosive picture. Seriously, not only the motivation, but the insane flow of energy was transmitted directly from the screen, forcing you to follow every action. A young musician, for whom music, and more specifically the playing of a musical instrument, has become a part of life and inspiration. Especially unremarkable boy, imperceptible and simple, quiet in the current sense, is engaged in his favorite business, regardless of anyone. But a chance meeting with a mentor turns his whole life around.
We are shown an initially pathetic hero who is not seriously put. No family, no colleagues. And now, breaking through this abyss of remoteness, as if falling into the search for perfection, the hero begins to overcome his difficulties. The second plan of the picture is the tyrant mentor himself. Stunning and amazing. Having achieved a great name and respect, the hero is very sensitive to his work. Hiding the true motives in the depths of his soul, the mentor appears as a vermin. And it's exciting to watch.
By commanding the entire environment, the hero reveals a motivating concept to the viewer. Always strive for the best, no matter what. This approach reflects on the whole plot, presenting a complex relationship and strong-willed character. I just can't find the words to express the full impact of the film. Do not give up and strive for perfection. And now, like a drug addict, the main character is obsessed with his activities. The picture keeps the viewer to the last minute, giving out at the end what everyone is waiting for.
Miles Teller is good. Very good. His last roles were terrible, that in the wretched 'Divergent' that in the remake 'Fantastic Four' In this project, he showed himself and looked worthy. Initially, Dane DeHaan wanted to take the lead role ('The New Spider-Man 2', 'The Chronicle'), but, frankly, the character would have turned out to be too addictive, despite the title ' Obsession'. But Miles Teller played well.
And of course, J.K. Simmons. God, he's great. So amazing to play a musical genius, a tough mentor, only he can. Like he didn't get Spider-Man pictures again. Brilliant.
A lot of people will like the movie. It affects perception, and after viewing, a creative impulse and warm sensations are guaranteed. Have a good time.
The film immerses in the world of music, where the performances that we see as a spectator are always:
1. Initially, fascination. The main character, 19-year-old Andrew, since childhood likes to play the drums, and he dreams of devoting himself to music, studying in New York at the Conservatory.
He was noticed by the coolest master, conductor, Mr. Fletcher, whose rigid methods unsettle, cause fear, shock, the desire to give up. And in the film, and the viewer has the same emotions.
2. A place to earn. Talent is scarce. Perseverance, a million hours in rehearsals, at any free opportunity - working out your party.
I like the phrase: 'In my spare time from work, I work.' And in the movie about it.
It's about fighting yourself, with your inner child who wants to give up.
3. We gotta hold it. By the way, if you show a slack, you fly out of the top, and you have to earn a place again. It doesn’t matter if the bus broke down on the way to the concert, or you got into an accident, or you can’t play anymore because everything is in your blood!
Pass this life test. And your willpower is with you forever.
You know what you want.
You'll never give up.
You will always finish your job.
Because it's your passion. Because it's your dream. This is your business of life.
Without obsession with your business, it is impossible to be in the TOP. It is impossible to be legendary, genius.
10 out of 10
Obsession is an amazing and in some ways paradoxical film. He took three Oscars, brought Miles Teller and Melissa Benoist to the big screens, allowed the formation of one of the most notable Hollywood couples Chazelle-Gosling with their “Man on the Moon” and stuffed with stonewall “La La Land”, emphasized the unusual talent of J.K. Simmons. However, when people ask me if they’ve heard of Obsession, they ask me, “Is that the one about the crazy girl?” Here you need to praise and scold localizers, because “Whiplash”, with all due respect to their diplomas of translators, can not be translated as “obsession”. They should be praised for the fact that this word conveys the essence of the film, what the tape itself is about and that we will observe the next two hours of timekeeping.
About the plot: a young drummer is engaged in the conservatory, accidentally catches the eye of the coolest leader of the ensemble, he takes it to himself and begins in a tough manner (the coolest way not to become otherwise, this is the message of the film), what is called, “instruct the right path”. The viewer is shown the path of a person from the beginning of his career to recognition, the issues of choice during the career itself are touched upon: personal life or work? Opportunity to relax or constant work? Is it necessary to make a claim against the person who makes you cultivate, sometimes in wild ways, or is it necessary to be grateful? The desire of the main character to receive recognition, approval of a mentor, to enter the cohort of the most successful people in his field grows into an unhealthy thirst – an obsession that leads to his transformation during the tape. Chazelle won an Oscar in 2014 for Best Adapted Screenplay, which already says a lot about working on the film's base. It should also be noted that the movie had its short version, some moments in which have already been worked out.
What else is good about the movie? It has virtually no flaws. The camera work is well done for a film with a budget of 3 million evergreens; the sound and editing are marked by Oscars, which is a very positive moment for a movie about music. The work of musicians from the inside, from behind the scenes: what tests stand behind their first appearance on the big stage in the Philharmonic or Concert Hall. The grueling training of the main character is real, since the director forced Miles Teller - the lead actor - to work to the seventh sweat quite consciously. If you look at 9 years from the beginning of the creation of the picture, Miles will be the only loser of the entire troupe, which is another paradox of the tape. As if he, as the main character, achieved recognition, and went to star in divergents and unsuccessful franchise restarts. In 2022, he scored many major roles in TV series and action films, but better than Chazelle, he did not play in any of the 4 other films in which the reviewer found him. Other main characters in the game, as were in the "Obsession" itself. All the techniques that should work, work; all the guns that are obliged to shoot at the end of the tape, shoot.
Competently placed throughout the picture, the dilemmas of almost all artists reflect exactly what the young drummer in the frame feels - hundreds of such drummers around the world; thousands of artists, musicians, dancers - and this, too, undoubtedly, reflects the importance of "Obsession".
10 out of 10
In Hollywood, they love to shoot stories about talented losers who learn to overcome themselves, reach special heights and thereby show their detractors how they were wrong. Films on such a dramatic theme have always been shot, and since the audience continues to be interested in them, the producers are not at all averse to investing their time and money in a high-quality and promising script, which, when properly executed, can bring not only excellent box office fees, but also prestigious awards. However, despite all the prospects of his work in a given area, talented, but for the time being, almost unknown to anyone author Damien Chazelle for a long time could not interest his ideas diligent studios that could turn the script into a full-fledged film. And yet Chazelle believed that his idea was worthy of being properly implemented and even ventured to make a short film based on it, or a kind of advertising of what might actually come out of a kind of rather trivial, yet intriguing idea. When the work on the project moved to the active phase, it drew the attention of the producers of the studio Blumhouse, specializing in the production of inexpensive horror. But despite the specifics of the company, its representatives saw their prospects in the possible cooperation with Chazelle, and in the end did everything necessary to ensure that the young author had the opportunity to remove his unlovable & #39; Obsession & #39; as he considered necessary, and the production costs should not seriously exceed the bar of three million dollars. And as it turned out later, Blumhouse gave the world one of the most interesting directors of its generation, and herself ' Obsession' became an instant classic of world cinema.
So, the plot of the film introduces us to a young guy named Andrew Neeman (Miles Teller), a freshman at the New York Shaffer Conservatory, who learns to play the drums and feels that he can achieve decent results in his passion. Spending all his free time to hone his skills, Andrew sincerely hopes that he will draw the attention of Terence Flatcher (J. K. Simmons), a brilliant, but not in proportion demanding and frankly obnoxious maestro, leading his own orchestra. Flatcher never compromises, his wards for him are no more than soldiers who must be led with all rigor, and praise from the master is certainly not necessary here. But at the same time, Flatcher reveals true talents in young talents, makes them the best in his field and his hardening remains with a person until the very end. And as soon as the opportunity to get into the team of the maestro appears, Andrew immediately rushes to enter the disposal of Flatcher, who at first entrusts the new student with the most primitive work, but then, step by step, allows him to more serious creative processes. But even though he knew Flatcher’s style and work, Andrew never expected what he would actually face in the orchestra. Here everyone works for wear and tear, the atmosphere inside the team is electrified to the highest level, and in order to really stand out and interest Flatcher with his work, you need to go in your work to the beyond, devoting yourself to music. And Andrew has no other options, because he essentially put everything on the line, and if he can not hit the maestro, then his dream will forever turn to dust, and everything else will be completely irrelevant.
The main difference ' Obsession' from other similar films that play the motivation card and show the rapid formation of the personality in unexpected and stressful conditions, is that the director really invested in his work personal experience and experiences that he encountered as a student. Trying to master the craft of the drummer as well as the main character ' Obsession', Chazelle experienced an unfortunate failure. No, of course, he knew how to play melodies, felt the rhythm and even created simple compositions, and nevertheless the authoritative teacher, or the prototype of the hero J. K. Simmons, clearly made it clear to the guy that he was better to try himself in other areas of art. And as a result, Chazelle quit music, adopted a computer and retrained as a screenwriter working in a variety of genres. But still, the young author wanted not only to write his stories for other directors, but also to lead the creative process independently. And in order to be noticed, your first film should be, if not a big event, so strong and skillful work. And in order not to fail with the choice of winning topics, Chazelle just focused on the concept ' Obsession' with which he had a close emotional connection. That is why the film looks so realistic and vivid, it literally lights up the screens with its energy and literally forces the audience to break away and create something meaningful right here and now. Chazelle brilliantly revealed his own memories in the language of spectacular dramatic cinema and created a special creative precedent, absolutely deservedly received several coveted awards ' Oscar'.
However, with all due respect to the talent of the director, it is necessary to recognize that ' Obsession' would never become a modern classic, choose the author for the main roles of inappropriate actors. And it is just a happiness that to play in a modest film from a completely unknown director agreed J.K. Simmons, who has long become a popular and characteristic actor, who is invited to their projects by eminent directors, and major studios do not miss the opportunity to give him the opportunity to take part in status projects. After evaluating the prospects of the script and talking directly with Chazelle himself, Simmons decided to get involved in an unexpected creative experiment and as a result played a role that will remain in the memory of the actor’s fans at no less high positions than Jay John Jamieson from the Sam Raimi trilogy 'Spider-Man'. When Simmons appears on the screen as Flatcher, he attracts all the attention and does not even think to share it. The actor gets a lot of pleasure from his work and even eclipses Miles Teller, who played the same Andrew around whom the story is built. And this is perhaps the only somewhat ambiguous moment of the film, since despite Teller’s best efforts, the dramatic and emotional gap between the on-screen teacher and the student is too great, and it is at the time of Flatser to call the true protagonist of the film, not Andrew.
In the end, I want to say that ' Obsession' is really a brilliant film, which thanks to the sincere script, masterful directing and outstanding performance of J.K. Simmons was a big event, which is pointless to doubt. Damien Chazelle challenged to declare himself as a great master, and it must be admitted that such debuts are extremely rare, and therefore the tape just need to pay attention.
9 out of 10
If you have nothing to do with music, you may not understand the passion and paranoid attraction that this film carries. If you are from the same musical world. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing 3 chords at home or blowing up huge venues.
The film itself is hardly worth watching as something pleasant for the evening. We were watching it with my bass player and drummer when he first came out. Then they are quite green and very inexperienced, but well familiar with the topic of how many hours you need to destroy in your life to achieve results. The film from the first scenes begins to interest, closer to the middle grabs you by the throat, breaks your chair on your head and stops throwing into the asphalt only a few seconds before the credits.
The real jazz madness of a perfectionist. Most people in the place of the main character would have long gone to play rock music and get high, not rape themselves. And besides, Miles Teller himself was preparing for the film all pumping and pumping skill.
The main question that I asked the whole viewing: ' Why can't the orchestra use a metronome? I threw it in your ear and that's your pace. In the end, you can put a computer and adapt the click to the song if the tempo changes.' But towards the end, you begin to realize that it is simply not sporty in this genre.
The only thing that made me doubt the adequacy of what was happening - why destroy yourself, to rise, when you can practice as a pro? After all, endless long uninterrupted training will not make you great, but a cripple is easy.
I'll tell you the truth, this is a movie where you only remember the screaming Simmons, the sweaty Teller and the brightest ending. It is worth preparing for every second of screen time.
What to praise:
1) Stunning confrontation between Simmons and Teller
2) Perfectly describing the atmosphere of fierce competition and intolerance in the world of music scenes with the rolling orchestra
(3) An amazing grand final. It seems he was already worthy of an Oscar.
What to blame:
1) A very faint scene of the breakup of the relationship of the main character in the glory of music
2) There's a little tension in the middle of the movie.
(3) Not exactly plausible preparation of the protagonist for his starry moment. Hypertrophied and overhypertrophied.
General impression:
This is a movie that is worth watching once and then watching the last 5 minutes every few years. This is called a real obsession.
The boy shouted "Masterpiece" for a long time, but no one came. . It's a hilariously stupid movie for anyone who's a musician. If you have suffered enough, you will be the best. The film about the fact that music gives unique emotions, captivating into the enchanting world of free flight and pleasure is complete crap, look at how I cramp on the drums, a bed of dick on everyone who is not me.
Throughout the film, I felt like I was listening to music and not watching a movie. At the end, this feeling reaches its climax and seems like a recording of a concert, not a film.
The key claim to the film is a weak plot, it is too banal. A typical story about how a guy from childhood plays the drums well, and now strives for world fame, thanks to his skill. And of course, there is a stern, I would even say mentally unstable “coach” who accompanies him along the way. All this under the motivating stories of how one drummer was thrown a plate, and then he learned to play chic and became a world star. Fletcher believes that the same methods: bringing to a breakdown, shouting, throwing objects at his students, he will make the same world star. And a lot of people, judging by the positive reviews of this film, are praising Fletcher for the same opinion. But I think both the main character and Fletcher are psychopaths obsessed with their idea, who will do anything to achieve their goal. And the title of the film perfectly reflects its essence, but the presentation of this idea is not that lame, but does not go at all.
Most of the screen time is occupied by rehearsals of the jazz orchestra. For most of the film, the audience listens to the music rather than watching the film. Many characters in the film are not revealed. For example, the relationship of the main character with the girl and with the team. It seems that first the music and script for the character of Jonathan Kimble were written for the film, and only then the rest of the characters were added to the box. And Fletcher himself is poorly spelled out, his story is not really told: how he came to music, why he is so unstable. Not a story, but a piece of paper.
I’m not happy with the film and consider it one of the most overrated.
Films about the underrated main character, trying to earn approval from the mentor, occupy a separate place in the niche of cinema, having long become a modern cult. Directed by Damien Chazelle, the film “Obsession” is perhaps the best representative of this line, the main character, as it usually happens, is not gifted with incredible abilities from birth. All he has is a passionate desire to become the best in his field and prove himself.
I cannot say enough about the main actors. The main character of this picture is Andrew, whose role was flawlessly played by Miles Teller, a persistent and ambitious first-year student of the best music school in the country. He is ready at any moment to give up happiness in his personal life for the sake of a dream, which the hero gradually turns into a goal. Andrew’s only friend all his life was and is music, and the sense of rhythm is the rhythm in which his heart beats.
Fletcher is a secondary character who turned out to be much brighter than the main character. Many people call him a tyrant who knows no boundaries and does not observe either moral ethics or subordination. Maybe it is, but Fletcher is allowed everything and here's why. In front of the audience, the maestro, a man with a capital letter, a professional, trying to recognize in the dense forest of talentlessness, a particle of real talent, a future legend capable of making a breakthrough in the world of music. J.K. Simmons, who played this role deservedly took the Oscar statuette for best supporting role in 2013.
It is impossible not to mention the sound in this picture - it is incomparable! The extraordinary excitement and tsunami of emotions cause the viewer to sound instruments, both collectively and separately.
Summing up all the above, I want to say that the film pleasantly surprised me and imprinted in memory as a high-class movie with emotional characters, excellent sound and an engaging plot with an open ending, leaving a pleasant aftertaste and ground for thinking about the future fate of the hero.
This is a psychological musical drama, while filmed very talented, in my opinion.
First of all, I want to note in this film how accurately and deeply managed to convey the inner state of the protagonist! As a person who has gone through all this hell, I can see it very clearly.
And I assume that when watching this film, you can not dwell on the music. Because in almost any field of activity there is a chance to get into a similar one, if you are talented, young, ambitious, and they try to make you a genius or a champion. Although, probably, in sports and art it is the most bulging and dramatic.
The fact is that in these areas a person works by himself, with each cell of himself, he is the most vulnerable, and success is extremely unstable, because it depends on a million factors. And also because this success is maximally tied to the personality. In such conditions, a person cannot be replaced, he cannot relax for a minute, his whole life is subordinated to his talent, he is practically free of charge and has no right to anything but the business he is engaged in.
The fact is that in order to really become someone worthy of the attention of the general public, you must jump above your head and go far beyond the limits of human capabilities. Because if not - you are a gray mass and no one is interested ...
Have you ever tried to go beyond your human or your own capabilities? So how? Did you like it?
This is to avoid confusing flies with patties. There is talent, and there is hellish work and going beyond the limits. Without talent, of course, there is no need to board this train at all. But with talent, we must understand that this will be a battle of more or less equals, and the winner is not the one who is most talented - this is a myth, but the one who invests more and gives. At first, the ambitions of unrealized parents usually work. Rarely is the ambition of a rejected child.
And here you need to understand: to go all this way and reach the goal, you need to have an extreme need for this! On the verge of life and death. Only the desire to live and the lack of a vision that it can be done differently, can make a person beat with sticks on the drum with his hands clasped into the blood, pouring his blood all around. Yes, the theme of service to Art helps in this, because it is something more than a person, and as if has the right to demand such sacrifices. But this is what must happen to a man so that he lays his life on any altar.
And in order for that to happen, every musician has to have a personal Fletcher. This is the one who sees another’s talent, mentally appropriates it to himself, and believes that the other who possesses this talent must. And then, heating up the vain and ambitious notes of the possessor, he begins his sadistic activity. Sometimes such flotchers put pressure on feelings of guilt. Like, you have talent, and you, such a bastard, steal it from the world.
Why do we need such a sadist? Because to jump over a five-meter fence you need to fall into passion: that is, either very angry, or very scared. The first one works more often. Anger, or even rage, is the fuel on which a talented man overcomes himself and does the impossible. Sometimes it comes from a point of resentment or a desire to prove something to someone. First of all, I think.
In any case, since such results require inhuman investment and effort, the idea, result, achievement, art must become more important than the human self.
Ideals are essential to the human psyche. Because of them, we move forward, not backward. And that is the basis of evolution. Geniuses and Heroes are the collective alter-ego of humanity. Previously, this role was performed by deities. Now scientists, artists and other famous people who have made a significant contribution to the history of mankind are added to them. Thank you so much for being there and doing what they do.
But in our modern mentality there was some not very healthy story that we all urgently need to become these very heroes, geniuses and champions, otherwise you are nothing and nothing, and no name. In general, like, the creature is trembling and has no right. Not all were born Mozarts, or Napoleons, or Aivazovskys. And the world does not need geniuses in such numbers. But for some reason, it is believed that if you just fix the primus well, then it is not cool at all and you should definitely strive to become something more. At least start your own business repairing primus. And sitting down and fixing it yourself, and having fun with it, wow. How can I?
But why don’t we be proud of the small but important things we do every day: hug our loved ones, cook food for them, work hard on our little work and enjoy this amazing and multifaceted life. No wonder the Universe tried so hard and created all this beauty! Someone should notice her and be happy with her! It'll hurt the universe. Well, someone needs to grow wheat so that these geniuses and heroes do not starve to death. And sweep yards, and cook porridge, and wash diapers. And who said that it is less valuable than to beat the drum, keyboard, strings, paint pictures or sing serenades?
The relationship between Neeman and Fletcher is interesting. This is a very beautiful example of the difference between Father and Master. My father loves and supports me. The teacher develops and pushes out of the comfort zone. Yeah, sometimes through rage and resentment. And it's cool when you have a supportive parent and there's a Master who moves you up to your opportunities and your heights. And just as every boy must defeat his father, every student must surpass his Master. And a good, right teacher will do anything to make that happen. But does the end always justify the means?
In 2013, the debut of the film by the brilliant director and screenwriter - Damien Chazelle, telling about the drummer Andrew Nieman (Miles Teller), who in turn wants to reach great heights, become cool and famous. But during the rehearsal, he is noticed by a talented but brutal maestro named Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), who likes to blight musicians in his own orchestra, as well as humiliate anyone. He takes Neeman to his orchestra on probation, where he squeezes all the juices out of him and at the same time pressures his psyche to play well in rhythm and get on pace. After a probationary period, he remains in this orchestra, where Fletcher announces that they are going to the competition. And then all the fun starts. . .
Despite the fact that this film is the debut of Chazelle’s career, it turned out to be the most masterpiece!
It contains funny moments where you can fall from the chair with laughter, as well as sad, where each time you empathize with the main character and are ready to even cry. By the way, in some scenes, laughter and sadness are mixed with each other, which when viewed becomes both funny and sad. Also against the background of all this, there is a drama that drives the viewer into intrigue and fuels his interest in what will happen next, and this is an incredibly cool feeling while watching this film.
The characters are very well detailed. While watching, you understand the motivation and goals of a person, his past, how it was, what he experienced and why after all this he became so. All this after revealing a character - you begin to empathize with him and better understand him.
Result: A masterpiece film with an excellent technical component (mainly this is operator work), with an excellent script and plot, with a good disclosure of characters and also with an excellent emotional presentation.
If you like drama, I recommend watching this movie first. You'll really like him.
I warn you that everything here is my subjective opinion and maybe there are a lot of mistakes, but I hope it is more or less clear and conveys my opinion about this film.
Obsession is a furious breakthrough in the career of the great director Damien Chazelle, and an incredibly important event in cinema in recent years.
This film is not a thriller, but keeps in great tension: gradually gaining a dynamic and tense atmosphere.
Technically, the film is outstanding, the editing, as well as the composition, by Justin Hurwitz (Damien’s friend from his time at Harvard) – masterfully executed. Aesthetics and previously noticed technical works really put in tension; the strong acting work of Miles Teller and the awesome J.K. Simmons was so shocked - the best roles of these actors, Simmons ceased to be in the shadow of an underrated actor, receiving the coveted Oscar.
The plot tells about 19-year-old Andrew Nieman, who studies at the best music school, in his city “Scheffer” and dreams of becoming a great drummer, like Charlie Parker and many other legendary drummers. Once playing the drum, he is noticed by the brilliant conductor Terrence Fletcher (J. K. Simmons), who has his own vision of learning.
This character is perhaps one of the best in the history of cinema and by far the best role of Jonathan Simmons.
Fletcher is selfish, chaotic, ready to put any student in an uncomfortable position just to achieve perfection, any idiot who does not distinguish between fast and slow pace - to kick out. Half of the students were afraid of Terrence, but that's just his way of teaching. As Fletcher said, “Charlie Parker didn’t become great until they threw a plate at him,” and Terrence throws chairs.
He is incredibly encouraging to action, making sure that the students take their hands in their feet and rattle on their instruments, at his damn pace!
Everything comes out in a memorable catharsis, which with each viewing of the film leaves new impressions, from which you get a lot of pleasure. Damien masterfully showed through the prism of greatness that immorality is just a method of effective learning.
This movie will never be forgotten! These emotions and scenes with intensive rehearsal will remain in everyone’s soul as a motivation to strive to improve. The entire cast, from the composer to the actors, is probably one of my favorite movie figures!
' Obsession' I've seen it twice because I really liked it and couldn't deny myself the pleasure of revisiting it. This project brought to light the American director Damien Chazelle, who fully revealed his talent. His full-length debut was quite successful and received many positive reviews.
The plot is pretty simple. A young student named Andrew is studying at the New York Conservatory and he dreams of becoming a cool drummer. One day Andrew gets into an orchestra, conducted by Terence Fletcher, a wayward, rather tough and rude person. Getting along with such a mentor is not easy, Fletcher can afford to insult, humiliate students in every possible way, especially the new Andrew. Despite all the attacks, Andrew continues to stubbornly do what he loves, although in such a pressing environment it is difficult to do it.
The film never lets go for a minute, there is not a single moment where you could get bored, because there is a constant dynamic. The main character Andrew persistently engages in music, completely and completely giving himself to it. Instead of praise, he gets verbal slaps, and I, as a spectator, was tense to watch this action. Andrew’s stubbornness is striking, he seems impenetrable, when watching you wonder what a person is ready to endure for the sake of the final goal. Everyone should be so tough.
Played by J.K. Simmons conductor Fletcher is beyond praise. I haven’t seen much of this actor’s work, but here he was on a roll and deservedly won an Oscar & #39 for his role.
Miles Taller will not be left without attention. The actor thoroughly prepared for the role, took lessons on drumming, which is in principle noticeable.
The bottom line is this: ' Obsession' this is a strong psychological drama that literally amazes with its emotional intensity. Of course, this is largely due to the acting of the two leading characters. Actively developing actions, well shown relationships between the characters, all this gives the film dynamism.
For me, this is Damien Chazelle's first and best film.
There are almost no downsides to the movie. He keeps in suspense almost from the beginning until the final credits.
The actor who plays the main character is Miles Teller - I wouldn't say that he plays a masterpiece, but in some moments it really is.
And so everything: that directing, that acting - everything is gorgeous.
Separately, we should praise JK Simmons, who gives his best role and every moment with him is just great.
The main character is Andrew, who is ready to do anything to become a popular drummer and get fame. He is accepted into the orchestra, but the teacher Simmons plays is very strict. He is a perfectionist and wants everything to be perfect. He tempers his students by yelling at them and swearing. For example, he may yell at a person and accuse him of being a fake, only to make sure that the student understands the case and understands that he is not lying.
Although the original film is called “Whiplash” (as one of the first and main jazz songs in the film was called, and it also means “whiplash”, which hints at the fact that the teacher’s methods in the film are quite tough and metaphorically resemble a whiplash), in the dubbing it was still able to translate well. The name in Russia reflects the obsession of the main characters with their work.
After the first viewing, I was under an incredible impression and at least a few more hours away from the film.
This is a great movie that you should definitely watch. It will not like only those who do not like tense films, where there is a lot of shouting and swearing. Also, if you have the opportunity - look in the original with subtitles, because the acting is amazing.
10 out of 10
How to turn a drummer drama into a grinding thriller
Pictures about a person looking for his vocation in the world are somewhat boring, don't you think? I mean, there is a person who has a gift, he has a dream, there is a mentor who leads him to this dream at the cost of his great efforts. And this man by the end of the film achieves absolutely everything he wanted and he gets universal recognition. Many dramatic (and even comedic) are built this way. Although this scheme continues to work, today, if you do not bring something new to it, then the picture threatens to come out bland and even clichéd.
Therefore, the best films with a similar plot usually differ from the rest with some creativity. This is the film by rising director Damien Chazelle Obsession (originally Whiplash).
How is this film different from the other far less remarkable films that seemed to apply the same pattern? First of all, this picture differs somewhat different approach. If in many paintings we are convinced that the teacher, leading the student to victory, gives him the right advice. This happens in many movies, but not in this one. Here, many can share their opinion about the teacher of the protagonist (who was played by the genius J.K. Simmons for the Oscar). On the one hand, his dilemma of “praise can deprive us of another Charlie Parker or Louis Armstrong” is not without meaning, because indeed, it can knock a person off his intended course, because he does not want to improve further. On the other hand, the teacher goes so far as to ask, is your dream worth it? This very significant problem creates a very interesting basis for the film, which is interesting to watch. You either fully support the coach in one scene or you hate the coach in the next. In any case, you will not remain indifferent to this character.
And this interesting idea is wrapped in a rather intense thriller. When the main character stripped his hands to the blood trying to get into the tempo of a fastidious coach, or when he does not try to be late for training under the threat of flying out of the troupe, we are witnessing very well staged scenes that are so tense that it seems even about to explode... literally, of course.
Thus, cinema not only comes out as a creative creation that asks rather ambiguous questions over which the viewer reflects, but also an incredibly interesting work that from beginning to end arranges a grinding psychological drama, after which you will not be able to hear the sound of a drum for a long time without a tantrum.