Whiplash (2014): The Perils of Perfectionism Film Class

J.K. Simmons puts in a commanding performance as psychotic music teacher Terence Fletcher, determined to drive Miles' Teller's Andrew to great artistic heights. We discuss his philosophy that praise leads only to mediocrity, as well as considering his somewhat idiosyncratic approach to ensuring a disciplined learning environment. Is such a regimented ideology necessary for artistic excellence, or is it anathema to creativity? All that and Shain helpfully defines the raisinet (turns out that is a thing, despite Sean's scepticism).