Another good example of how to do a good low budget movie. Who would have thought this movie would have been as good as it turned out? I sure didn't but Damien Chazelle did a great job of drawing me into this world of drumming and music.
One of the best things to do is create a good character and then have the audience understand his journey and desires. I know next to nothing about music, especially drumming, but this movie made me empathize with the main character. I fully understood his commitment and desire to be accepted by his teacher and to be the best drummer ever. The teacher is played with manic, insanity by J. K. Simmons, channeling the drill Sargent from Full Metal Jacket to perfection. He is the fire and torch of the story as he tries to mold and shape the main character. Even when he's not on screen his mere presence and personality can be felt influencing and guiding the main character.
Mix in some spot on direction for a drumming movie with songs that rip and roar complete with pacing that matches the intensity of drumming. The acting of Miles Teller, who plays the main character in quietness which full compliments Simmons loudness and physical intensity. But Teller matches Simmons one for one when he picks up the sticks and starts drumming as he lets them channel and talk with all the passion and rage bubbling up inside of him. The final set piece is master class of direction, writing, editing, and character all rolled up into an ending of an extremely enjoyable movie.
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