Whiplash · written by Damien Chazelle · 2014

Andrew confronts Fletcher, who tells him to earn the part while hiding visible grief.

Scene 58 of 117 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Fletcher Andrew
Fletcher

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 59 min into a 1:54 film

The story so farBefore scene 58

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.
Scenes 18–48
Andrew learns Fletcher's brutal rules, competes for status, and tries to survive the first rehearsals.
Scenes 49–50
Andrew plays Whiplash from memory and helps Shaffer win the competition, gaining the core position he wanted.
Just before
Scene 55
At a family dinner, Andrew defends his ambition against his relatives and argues that remembered greatness matters more than belonging.
Scene 56
Andrew ends his relationship with Nicole in advance, explaining that he will choose drumming over time with her.
Scene 57
Fletcher tests Andrew and Ryan on the Caravan chart, then gives Ryan the part after Andrew misses the tempo.
Scene 58
This scene

58INT. GEHRING HALL - FLETCHER’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

--BURSTS in. Fletcher’s just finished his call.

FLETCHER ANDREW

What are--? I need to talk to you.

FLETCHER ANDREW

Now is not the time, I I can play that part, you

swear to God-- know I can--

FLETCHER

I said NOT NOW!!!

There’s more desperation in Fletcher’s voice than anger. And Andrew notices something else: Fletcher’s eyes are watering... Andrew is silent. He’s never seen Fletcher like this.

Pink (9/10/2013)

FLETCHER (CONT’D)

(softly, as though close to crying)

You want the part? Then...earn it.

A moment passes.