Love Over Dreams

Ambitions don’t always have to trump love

WHEN I FIRST SAW WHIPLASH, I was fascinated. The protagonist, Andrew Neiman, is an ambitious jazz student at a conservatory. Te struggles under the tutelage of Terence Fletcher, whose methods include making ethnic slurs and hurling chairs at those who miss a tempo. Neiman presses on, even if it means getting the boot and rebelling against Fletcher’s authority.

Because Neiman wants to become the next Buddy rich, he leaves his girlfriend for his drums. He is honest yet callous about it, saying all he wants to do is to pursue his music. After all, if you want something bad enough, sacrifices must be made. Time can be sacrificed. But love? would you give someone up for a dream?