Film Review: Whiplash
It's been a while, and I think that's because I only seem to write in this blog when a film or TV show touches me emotionally or causes me to think. Whiplash is one of those films. I have heard the Oscar buzz about it and while I do think it has a chance with its powerful performances, I'm wondering how people feel about J.K. Simmons' character of Fletcher. I hated him. I totally get the tough-love approach to getting people to do their best. When I was a kid in school that was the way to do it. A teacher or a coach could be mean, be nasty and push buttons to get the kids to do their best, much like a drill sergeant in the army. It's not like today's "good job" coaching where everyone wins. I realize why it's not done as much, because in some cases it's akin to bullying. My view is that while I am on the fence with tough coaching (when it works and it's done right, go for it, but think about the psyche of the people you're