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Concert Movies, Film reviews, Live Events

Whiplash in Concert Review: A Sensational Gem

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The Auditorium Theatre getting ready for the performance of Whiplash in concert

As an avid fan of Damien Chazelle’s 2014 masterpiece Whiplash. I had the opportunity to see this work-of-art live at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago. With dazzling lights and jazzy tunes, an extra layer was added to this wonderful film that made it feel much more sensational. As someone who admires Whiplash, I felt the inspiration was taken to a whole new level. This classic film had colorful dynamics and enhanced power with the live musicians playing behind it.

What made the event extra special was that the composer Justin Hurwitz conducted the orchestra. He moved around the stage with intensity and determination, which was in tune with the dazzling ambience of the drummer. The musical numbers were filled with memorable moments that highlighted the best scenes in Whiplash. It all just dazzled me as well as the hundreds of others in this historic venue with me. The evening was a musical sensation with lights, drums, and smooth transitions where there was an incredible energy of positivity and courage that was surreal.

Because the film is well known for its unique dynamics, the audience already knew what they were getting into. As the lights faded to red, this meant darkness. As the lights shined brighter, this meant classical jazz moments. When lights went into strobe mode, this meant a rainbow of powerful music highlighting competition and tension. Hurwitz moved around the stage with such dramatic effect that it gave each portion of the concert added layers of meaning.

The realism in this live musical edition was due to two talented sources Again, Hurwitz’s talent as a director was a major factor which was complimented by the Chicago Philharmonic. The theme of Whiplash is about turning feelings of rejection into encouragement. Seeing the score performed live topped the charts in my book. While I’m not a musician, my artistic heart was pumping wildly during Whiplash in Concert. The acoustics of The Auditorium are outstanding. The sounds elevated theartistry throughout this historic building.

The way in which this film was presented with a live orchestra playing at The Auditorium Theatre resulted in a deeper feeling of connection with the characters in the movie. For example, in the moments when Andrew (played by Miles Teller) was isolating himself to learn his drums and becoming more self-absorbed, I felt there was energy throughout the building that made audiences gasp in awe. In addition, there were electric ripples when Fletcher (played by JK Simmons) displayed anger and wrath as he belittled his mentees.

The enticing element of tension while the battle for success progressed felt like a never-ending rollercoaster ride with Whiplash in Concert. This event was a one-of-a-kind musical adventure where cinematics is taken to a championship level. I kept hoping for additional rounds because the experience was so engrossing. Seeing one of my favorite films in concert blew my mind because of the mesmerizing way it was presented. This was definitely a four out of four-star theatrical adventure for me.

Film reviews

Babylon Review

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Director Damien Chazelle’s films create worlds like no other. Babylon is about the movie industry and it has lots of fictionalized characters who are fueled by drugs and glamor. Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie play the leads, and they are two who will definitely tango. Babylon will make viewers’ heads spin, but it may also challenge their gut with its repulsiveness.

Babylon is set in the 1920s golden days of Hollywood, when sound was just being introduced to cinema. Jack Conrad, played by Pitt, is a cinema tycoon, and he is one crazy party animal. Nellie LaRoy, played by Robbie, is the next big female actress talent, but she has drug problems. Manny Torres, played by Diego Calva, is an assistant for the projects involving Conrad and LaRoy. We first meet Manny when an elephant is being delivered to a party being thrown by Conrad, and it only gets crazier from there. Another quirky character is James McKay, played by Tobey Maguire. He’s in a supporting role, but one with some secrets that the audience will find surprising.

Babylon actually has many surprises, including a scenario where someone is fighting a snake in front of a party. Expect lots of drugged up mayhem, nudity, and all kinds of bizarre situations from the mind of Chazelle. But it becomes repetitive, and sometimes just plain silly. There are some amazing performances, but the frequent parties tends to be boring, especially in a film that’s just over three hours long.

Despite the moments of boredom, Babylon manages to weave some joy between the accomplishments and mayhem of its characters. But this is mostly just Hollywood movie people going insane with danger and fierce competitions for success. Conrad is Hollywood royalty with fame and money. LaRoy has the looks and the talent to rise through the star ranks, but will she be able conquer her drug addictions? It seems that everyone is out of control in Babylon.

Babylon is a film with some cinematic energy but, overall, I would call it just all right. It’s a film that is certainly not perfect, and I have some serious issues with it. I felt at times like Chazelle was almost trying to make Babylon seem like a Martin Scorsese film, and I think that its writing is over-the-top in places. It isn’t for everyone, and I personally found it rather overwhelming. Two and a half stars for Babylon.