A Mother’s Horror Story-
by Janna Wong
October is the month for horror stories filled with ghouls, monsters, ghosts, and other things that jump out at you in the night. For me, my scariest horror movie has no imaginary ghosts or skulls flying around me in the dead of night.
No, the biggest horror story I ever saw is a movie called “Whiplash.” Written and directed by Damien Chazelle (yes, that Damien Chazelle who gave us that lovely musical called “La La Land,” starring that beautiful and talented couple Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone), this is Chazelle’s first major film and what a horror movie it is…for moms!
It’s the story of Andrew (portrayed by Miles Teller), a student at a prestigious music academy, who wants nothing more than to be the drummer for the best jazz ensemble in the school, and Fletcher (portrayed by J.K. Simmons), the heartless, aggressive, maniacal jazz teacher who pushes Andrew to the brink of insanity in his quest to get this young drummer to be the best jazz drummer he has ever taught. It offers a close-up look at ambition, dedication, and the cost of attempting to achieve perfection (both for the student and the teacher).
For 1 hour and 46 minutes, you will squirm, chew your nails, wipe away tears as you sit there in the dark, wondering if your own children have ever been exposed to a teacher like Fletcher who pushes, prods, yells face-to-face with the young drummer until exhaustion sets in for both. You worry the next time your own children head off for school, praying that any teachers they have will be respectful and calm. You may even make a vow never to nag your children again (well, that didn’t last long, did it?!).
The movie is a masterpiece — well-written, well-directed, and perfectly acted (J.K. Simmons won the Best Supporting Oscar for his portrayal of Fletcher). But it’s scary has hell for parents.
And you’ll never listen to the song, “Caravan” in the same way again.
