Whiplash: The Obsession for Greatness

 

Whiplash

What happens when passion turns into obsession? 

The obsession to become the greatest is not uncommon, often times we are consumed by the things that we want, overlooking the things that we need. Obsession kills passion slowly but surely; burnout strains the life out of you and leaves you disoriented. 

Whiplash is a movie directed by Damien Chazelle. It is primarily about a young jazz drummer who spirals into the road of obsession by seeking the validation of his abusive mentor. The role of the abusive mentor drives the protagonist into madness. The descendent into madness creates a psychological strain on the mental health of the protagonist which is reflected at the end of the movie, during the protagonists' climax, his solo performance signified his ultimate sacrifice to his craft. His father who was a failed artist watches his son with a defeated look, witnessing the extent of his son's obsession. 

Perfection is what the protagonist seeks in the movie which turns into obsession as his abusive mentor pressures his students to strive them to be the best. There is nothing admirable of abuse yet in the movie the protagonist craves for his mentors' validation despite the endless trauma. The psychological torment continues till the very end of the movie, the mentors' abusive nature does result in an outstanding drummist however the protagonist completely ruins himself mentally as he gives in to his abusive mentor seeking for his approval one last time.

Whiplash is a movie that depicts the reality of the cycle of abuse and how obsession can ruin someone completely. Where passion creates drive, obsession creates madness. As someone who has strived to be the greatest in every field possible, whiplash greatly resonated with me depicting how fast obsession can turn into madness.