Critic’s Pick: ‘Whiplash’ scorches the screen with its passion and fury

And the beat goes on …. If you haven’t experienced “Whiplash” yet, it is easier than ever to catch its unsparing examination of the mind games used to push young talents to greatness. The film is expanding its run in Los Angeles and around the country, and a theater is truly the best place to feel the unfiltered intensity of the power plays. It begins with a single drum beat and builds to an unforgettable frenzied face-off between Fletcher, a college conservatory professor-conductor played by J.K. Simmons, and his acolyte, a terribly impressive Miles Teller as Andrew, on drums. Damien Chazelle’s indie drama began the year by grabbing top awards at Sundance. It is likely to end it as an awards contender in many contests for the excellent way the filmmaker and its stars scorch the screen with their passion and their fury. Questions of ambition, fear of failure and the price of excelling flicker around the edges. But drums are at the story’s heart. The way Teller plays them (no stunt doubles here) and the way Simmons drives him, make for excruciating, exhilarating watching.

betsy.sharkey@latimes.com