Whiplash · written by Damien Chazelle · 2014

At the competition, Andrew turns pages for core drummer Carl as Fletcher conducts the first set.

Scene 45 of 117 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Carl
Announcement
Fletcher

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 42 min into a 1:54 film

The story so farBefore scene 45

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.
Scenes 7–13
Shaffer's hierarchy makes Andrew doubt his prospects, while he wants a chance to become an exceptional drummer.
Scenes 14–17
Fletcher draws Andrew back from transferring, and Andrew enters Studio Band while beginning a relationship with Nicole.
Just before
Scene 42
Alone after dinner, Fletcher listens intently to a record in his quiet apartment.
Scene 43
A rival orchestra finishes a fierce performance at the first winter competition.
Scene 44
Andrew watches Fletcher greet a technician's daughter before Fletcher prepares Studio Band backstage.
Scene 45
This scene

45INT. DUNELLEN AUDITORIUM - STAGE - CONTINUOUS

Studio Band goes on-stage. Carl hurries to the DRUMS, tunes them.

CARL

Stick bag.

Andrew hands Carl the stick bag. Raises the music stand, props the MUSIC FOLDER onto it--

Pink (9/10/2013)

CARL (CONT’D)

Hurry up.

ANNOUNCEMENT (V.O.)

The Shaffer Conservatory Studio Band...

CARL

Hurry up.

--and opens it to OVERBROOK COMPETITION CHART.

Fletcher appears. Raises his hand.

Everyone raises their instruments. Sits still. Waiting...

A cough is heard. Fletcher looks to his right. The players stay still. No sign of whom it came from...

And then -- the slightest move of Fletcher’s index finger. So subtle you need absolute focus to even notice it. That’s the count-off. Miss it and you’ve blown it for everyone.

The BAND LAUNCHES. Quiet at first, then a big brassy sound. Andrew watches Carl’s playing. Taps along on his knees.

CARL (CONT’D)

Page.

(Andrew snaps to it, turns the page)

Damnit...

Still conducting, Fletcher approaches, whispers--

FLETCHER

Get it together, Tanner, I swear to God.

Heads back to his position, glaring at Carl. Pissed at Andrew, Carl plays. The music BUILDS and we’re--