A visceral musical thriller where a young drummer's desperate ambition collides with a conductor's sadistic perfectionism, transforming a rehearsal room into a blood-soaked arena of rhythmic violence and psychological warfare.
Whiplash
"Suffering is the soul of greatness."
Director:
Damien Chazelle
Cast:
Johnny Simmons, J.K. Simmons, Nate Lang, C.J. Vana, Honora Javier
Drama
Music
Whiplash - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Andrew Neiman
Johnny Simmons
Motivation
Driven by a desperate need to be 'one of the greats' and to avoid the ordinary life he fears.
Character Arc
Andrew begins as an eager, somewhat timid student and ends the short traumatized, weeping, and shattered by Fletcher's first 'lesson.'
Terence Fletcher
J.K. Simmons
Motivation
Believes that there are no two words in the English language more harmful than 'good job.'
Character Arc
Remains a static, looming force of nature. He shifts from a deceptively calm mentor to a raging tyrant in seconds.
Carl
Nate Lang
Motivation
Maintaining his status and surviving Fletcher's wrath.
Character Arc
The core drummer who is being replaced; he serves as a reminder to Andrew that no position in the band is secure.
Cast
Johnny Simmons
as Andrew Neiman
J.K. Simmons
as Fletcher
Nate Lang
as Carl
C.J. Vana
as Metz
Honora Javier
as Amy
Omari Grayson
as Trumpet Player
Stuart Hammill
as Trumpet Player
Charlie Estes
as Trumpet Player
Ranfins Rincon
as Trumpet Player
John Greer
as Trombone Player
Paul Bradley Hanson
as Trombone Player
Erik Hughes
as Trombone Player
Spencer Sussman
as Trombone Player
Michael Moeh
as Pianist
Joshua Bracks
as Guitar Player