“Whiplash”

     In the film “Whiplash” the editing is what captures the audience’s attention, and makes the whole film. There are a lot of editing shots throughout the whole film that add emotion and suspense. One big detail that I noticed was that in every scene where there is a conversation, the editing uses a shot reverse shot to show us all sides of the conversation.

    One scene that’s editing really stood out was Andrew Neiman's ending drum solo. When Andrew steps on stage he has confidence and is ready to play his old music after a long break. Fletcher steps on stage and with a shot reverse shot shows the news Fletcher shares that changes Andrews whole demeanor. He then does his own thing to steal the show. Throughout the whole scene the shots go from the drum set to Andrew to the sweat and blood coming from him. The pacing feels fast and the cuts are jumping around the stage. Emotions are high and the editing adds the intensity of the scene.

    Another very intense and high pressure scene in this film is Andrews car accident he gets into on the way back to his concert. Andrew felt the pressure from Fletcher, and wanted to prove himself with his spotlight on the drums. The editing is going between the clock and back to Andrew to show the audience how deeply it mattered to him that he was not late and didn’t lose his part in the band all together. Out of nowhere a big truck hits Andrews car, the scene was very suspenseful. Andrew then walks, covered in blood, to the band and plays while in pain. This scene really captures his dedication to the drums, and the amount of pressure he feels from Fletcher. The music is loud and then goes quite as he gets hit and he hear glass shattering. The editing flashes from his car crash, to him pushing his way on to stage in a matter of seconds. 

    Overall, the editing of films is a key part of the intensity and emotions. There is constant music throughout the whole film, and I was on the edge of my seat with suspense. The narrative structure builds us to Andrews big moment on stage in the end. The editing makes everything feel as though it’s moving faster, while very little detail mattered. All of the editing and music creates a whirlwind of emotions, leaving the audience breathless while the final note fads away.