Oscar winner JK Simmons talks about ‘Whiplash’ and his Oscar win
Fresh off his amazing Oscar and Golen Globe wins, actor J.K. Simmons discusses the incredible awards season he just experienced and being a part of the compelling and critically acclaimed drama “Whiplash.”
Inspired by writer/director Damien Chazelle, this Sony Pictures Classics film follows the journey of a young jazz musician with a passion for drumming and dreams of greatness. Andrew Neiman, played by rising star Miles Teller (That Awkward Moment), is a determined 19-year-old student. His rigid music teacher, Terence Fletcher, played by J.K. Simmons (Golden Globe® winner and Oscar® winner for his role), sees Andrew’s raw talent, but will accept nothing less than perfection. Nominated for five Academy Awards® (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Adapted Screenplay, Editing, Sound Mixing), WHIPLASH also stars Paul Reiser (Life After Beth) as Andrew’s father and Melissa Benoist (“Glee”) as Andrew’s love interest, Nicole.
I guess there is a little Bobby Knight in the guy for sure.”
Winner of both the Audience and Grand Jury Prizes at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, WHIPLASH was first screened at the festival as a short film a year earlier to excellent reaction. Chazelle returned a year later with a full-length version, which captured the top prizes in Park City and continued on as a festival favorite throughout the year. Film critics took to the film immediately, as evidenced by a 95 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
“Whiplash” is now out on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment with bonus features include commentary with J.K. Simmons and Damien Chazelle and a Toronto International Film Festival Q&A with Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons and Damien Chazelle. Exclusive to the Blu-ray is the original short film the movie was based on and a deleted scene, both of which include optional commentary and a 42-minute documentary featuring famous drummers who share stories and discuss their passion for the craft.
For more information visit the website at sonyclassics.com/whiplash