To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Damien Chazelle’s “Whiplash,” Sony Pictures Classics will be re-releasing the film in theatres, via a new 4K remaster, on September 20, 2024. A trailer and poster have been released to coincide with the upcoming release.
“Whiplash” was this blisteringly made crowd-pleaser that made exciting art out of jazz drumming. J.K Simmons played the teacher from hell, pushing his student (Miles Teller) to his very limits –- think Sgt. Hartman from “Full Metal Jacket” but turned into a Jazz band professor.
The editing, composition, and performances in “Whiplash” made for a visceral experience. It all culminates with a climactic sequence that is equal parts disturbing, rousing, confusing and emotionally liberating as Miles Teller’s Andrew breaks on through to the other side by delivering a sweaty, blood-soaked drum solo.
Earlier this year, a poll of over 500 critics, filmmakers and industry members voted “Whiplash” as the greatest film to ever premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. It beat out stiff competition, including Tarantino, Nolan, Soderbergh, Coen, and Cuaron.
I was one of the lucky ones to have attended the premiere of “Whiplash” at Sundance, and it was WILD. I can’t think of a better word to describe it. The whole theater erupted into applause after that final shot. The same exact thing happened when I saw it again, a few months later, at TIFF.
The film has since built up a loyal following, with many calling it one of the best films of the 2010s. It’s maintained its position as one of the highest rated films on IMDb and Letterboxd. We might as well call it a “modern classic” at this point. Chazelle would go on to find more critical acclaim with 2016’s “La La Land.”
“Whiplash,” which had a budget of $3M, ended up winning two Oscars, including Simmons for Supporting Actor. It ended up grossing an impressive $50M worldwide at the box-office. The late William Friedkin would go on to state, “I’ve seen the future of American cinema and his name is Damien Chazelle.”
As expected, Snyder's latest is being torn apart by TIFF attendees. No mercy given. The film, which had its world premiere this evening, is being called by some one of the worst movies to ever premiere at the festival.