Whiplash · written by Damien Chazelle · 2014

After hearing Buddy Rich play, Andrew puts away his transfer paperwork and recommits to drumming.

Scene 12 of 117 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 10 min into a 1:54 film

The story so farBefore scene 12

A young jazz drummer pursues a place among the country’s best, pushing himself toward greatness under the control of a brilliant, abusive instructor.

Scenes 1–6
Andrew lives inside solitary practice, family movie nights, and an ideal of greatness learned from jazz legends.
Just before
Scene 9
Carrying his transfer application, Andrew hears students mock another musician and approaches Studio Band.
Scene 10
Andrew watches Fletcher command the full Studio Band and hurries away when Fletcher catches his eye.
Scene 11
Andrew pushes his double-time swing faster until a stick snaps and his blistered hand gives out.
Scene 12
This scene

12INT. ANDREW’S PRACTICE ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

A CD slides into a player. The title: “BUDDY RICH: BIRDLAND”. Andrew skips ahead to the third track. Immediately, drums start. Another double-time swing. Only this one is insanely fast. Even faster than Andrew was going.

Andrew listens. Looks at his drum kit. Thinks. Makes a decision. Turns the CD off.