Do overdemanding, psychotic teachers have a place in today's "everyone is good" world? Do we, as a society, want a handful of greats or a basketful of mediocre artists? Does raw talent get squeezed out under extreme pressure? What does it really take to be great? Is inner talent enough or you really need the drill-sergent who shows you what's beyond the horizon of possibility?

"Whiplash", a caustic, tense, nerve-wracking drama makes us confront those questions. This is the story of Andrew (Miles Teller), looking to join the ranks of great Jazz drummers in a hyper-competitive music school called Schaffer. He is young, idealistic, determined young man who has a lot more to offer than he lets in on. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) is a borderline psychotic instructor who makes Andrew confronts his physiological and emotional limits employing tactics not exactly preached in schools these days.

While not necessarily pursuing new themes, Damien Chazelle, young 29-year old overachieving director, manages to make an extremely compelling film. An almost perfect casting (J.K. Simmons is incredible and in his own understated way - so is Miles Teller), exceptional camera work (if gimmicky at times) and great selection of music makes Whiplash an intense film watching experience.

We live in extremes now. Sports, Art and everything needs to turned to 11 before we can hear it at all above all the noise. There is a personal toll in extreme pursuits that is perhaps becoming obvious. Whiplash opens that wound like Black Swan did a few years ago.

That's so great with movies and art in general. Just when you thought all tales of crazy musicians and drill sergeants had been told and you felt beyond surprise you watch this and get a real whiplash. Brilliant.