By Nikolaos Leissos / Aristides Konstandinos Panagiotakopoulos

What is Obsession?

«Obsession is an unending, sometimes unstoppable preoccupation with an idea, an intention, or an activity that takes up residence in every aspect of an individual’s life.»

Passion propels us toward the things we love, while obsession gets us into trouble, as it can result in an overall lack of attention for anything or anyone else other than an endless pursuit of something. When considering psychological meanings for obsession, there is an association there for obsessive-compulsive traits, although, in more common definitions, it can apply to an obsession, an intense, persistent idea or thought, or an unending preoccupation that sometimes becomes an unstoppable activity, especially in pursuit of something, bringing about fulfillment but also destruction

Damien Chazelle’s 2014 film, Whiplash, represents this notion beautifully through its portrayal of Andrew Neiman , a jazz drummer, and his ferocious drum teacher, Terence Fletcher , whose character represents the faculty to which such students are subject.

Obsession in Action, Andrew’s Descent

  Mike Birbiglia tells the story of Andrew, who has a true passion for drumming, looking up to greats such as Buddy Rich. However, under the brutal tutelage of Fletcher, Andrew’s passion turns into an obsession. Fletcher takes his students to the point of exhaustion, a necessary measure, according to him, to produce a genius, as typified by Charlie Parker, who attained greatness

Classic scenes involve Fletcher screaming, «Not quite my tempo!» as he physically and verbally attacks Andrew in a bid to get perfection.

Andrew learns this, and he practices until his hands are bleeding profusely. He refuses to heed this pain, binding his hands and `proceeding, illustrating how an obsession can lead to ignoring the fundamental needs of the body.

The Human Cost   

Obsession causes Andrew isolation: he breaks up with his girlfriend, cuts ties with his family, and even goes on stage after a debilitating car accident, with blood streaming down from injuries. Fletcher is also consumed with obsession, claiming that things like abuse are necessary through statements such as: «There are no two words in the English language more harmful than “good job.’”

The thrilling finale of the movie includes Andrew’s famous drum solo, finally getting approval from Fletcher is a moment of utmost ecstasy, yet this incident leaves questions about whether Andrew has become a great or a destructive drum performer.

CONCLUSION

Whiplash explores through obsession that line that exists between ambition and self-destruction. It contradicts the common notion that pain is a requirement for greatness. It depicts obsession as a fixation that clouds one’s judgement and lifts one’s performance but destroys one’s soul. The movie ends, however, by leaving viewers asking questions such as: «Is perfection worth losing everything for?»