Whiplash - Family Dinner

This scene from Damien Chapelle's Whiplash is discussed in episode 224 of the Scriptnotes podcast. Pay particular attention to how effortlessly Chazelle sets up the dynamic between Andrew's father and uncle, and how the scene's blocking keeps the focus (and eyelines) centered on Andrew.

[SuperBuds]

“...and Andy, with your drumming.”

She started it, honestly.

[flextape]

That family was rushing. Not quite my tempo.

[mary-gxcl]

“the talent at this table its stunning...and andy with your...drumming” kills me every time

[majinweabuu]

>Four words you will never hear from the NFL

*D* *E* *C* *I* *M* *A* *T* *E* *D*

[deadmeme]

"four words that you'll never hear from the NFL"

savage roasting

[BaconDragon-yrvf]

It's clear that Fletcher didn't just improve his drumming. His insults are on point

[MatheusLB]

I think the coolest part about this scene is how many people can relate to it. Being underrated in something you do because its unpopular, while others are overrated in something they do because its popular

[ghostapostle]

When you think about it, it's ironic that the only who believed in Andrew skills was Fletcher.

[MeansofIntrigue]

'Got any friends, Andy?'
'No'

I adore how he answers that question, without a pause and with no shame.

[goalwd]

"its the third division" and "4 words you will never hear from the nfl" are the most brutal burns in a movie

[Venture]

"You think Carlton football is a joke? Come play with us"
"Four words you will never hear from the NFL"
Masterpiece of a line 🤣

[randomavenger]

I like how he didn't use the fact that his cousins were athletes to insult them, but the fact that they're bad athletes.

[shawty]

I'd hate to have a family like this.

[darrielbaldwin]

and Andy...with your drumming." Lmao don't know why that's so funny.

[alegend]

i just realized how Andrew is the only one who deflects the insults while his dad and everyone else just absorb it. I love how he’s adapting to not mimicking his family’s traits.

[countanimeavenger]

This scene eats at me, because so many people can relate.

[RABYBABY]

I really feel Andrew's hurt when his own father puts him down like that.

[woodenseance]

A rare instance where the protagonist achieving his goal is actually the bad ending.

[slimjimmy]

4 words you will never hear from the NFL...If there was a mic to be dropped....

[ShawnTheMidget]

I think this scene gives a lot of insight into Andrew’s relationship with Fletcher. It shows that he has been fighting his whole life for approval and recognition from a family that doesn’t value his interests. He’s motivated by the idea of proving them all wrong.
So when he meets Fletcher its the perfect storm. A teacher who’s a hundred times more abusive than his family and is nearly impossible to impress. The difference is that Fletcher actually does recognize Andrews talents and so Andrew is willing to be abused so long as he is finally recognized for his passion.
He’s been so desperate for approval his whole life that anything Fletcher gives him is like a drug and he becomes an addict. Putting himself through hell practicing just to get another taste.
This sort of reframed the movie for me. I see Andrew’s father as the failure of the story. If he had been more caring and loving towards his son then he never would have pushed him away.
In the final scene you can see his dad watch him perform with an expression of horror/amazement. I like to think that’s him realizing what he’s done to his son, thats he’s truly lost him to Fletcher, and he is great but at what cost. Kinda tragic really.