Cast member Miles Teller poses at the opening night premiere of the film “Whiplash” during the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, on Thursday in Park City, Utah.By SANDY COHEN
AP Entertainment Writer
PARK CITY, Utah – Miles Teller – who can be seen on screen later this month with Zac Efron in “That Awkward Moment” – took four-hour drum lessons three times a week to play the lead in “Whiplash,” shown opening night at the Sundance Film Festival.
Teller plays a jazz drummer determined to succeed, whether because of or in spite of an unforgiving instructor, played by J.K. Simmons at his most intimidating (and muscular). Attending the country’s most prestigious music academy, Teller’s character, Andrew, aspires to be one of the greats, playing until his hands bleed. Simmons is Fletcher, a teacher prone to belittling his students in an effort to unearth their determination and will to improve.
Writer-director Damien Chazelle said he told Simmons: “Just scare us.”