Bloody Drums

Today I went to the AMC Theaters Best Picture Showcase, Day 1.  The first film was "The Grand Budapest Hotel", which I had already seen on TV, but it was nice to see it on the big screen.  

The first new film to me was "Whiplash".

• It's a movie about musicians.  How could I not like it?
• J.K. Simmons' character, Fletcher, is an a**hole.  Simmons is fantastic as this character.
• How does anyone think that girl has a big chin? 
• "I'M UPSET!!!" 
• I might need to get this soundtrack.
• I love musicians, even obsessive ones.
• "Not my tempo."  
• I couldn't tell if he was rushing or dragging, either.
• Why all the shots of little details, like the spider?  Was that meant as an "attention to detail that artists experience" thing, or did it mean something else?
• I honestly didn't know that drummers play until they bleed and need ice, like dancers practice until their toes bleed.  I've never done that with any of my instruments.
• Dude, that is a messed up thing to do to a guy's hope and career.
• Zildjian stuff!
• Oh, that's where I know Miles Teller!  Divergent!  He actually does play the drums, and is playing on some of the soundtrack.  Very cool.
• Paul Reiser, where have you been?  
• Was that a 14/8 time signature?  Crazy.
• That is a long-ass drum solo.

I really liked this movie, even though I wanted to wring Fletcher's neck.