The Greatest Showman #1261 – Supplements on the Road

Damien Chazelle is undoubtedly one of the most noteworthy young directors of the new generation in the United States. Born in 1985, he is only four years older than Renly, making him 28 years old this year. Despite his youthful appearance, with baby fat, a baby face, and the casual attire of a stereotypical "otaku," Chazelle always exudes a fresh, college-like energy.

In 2007, after graduating from Harvard University, Chazelle began preparing his first feature film, Guy and Madeleine on the Park Bench. This independent work didn't attract much attention initially, but it showcased his keen sense of shot composition and color schemes.

Chazelle then moved to New York, where he worked as a screenwriter for films like The Last Exorcism 2 and Grand Piano, the latter starring John Cusack and Elijah Wood. These small-budget films supported his artistic pursuits while gaining him industry recognition. He later worked on the script for the critically acclaimed 10 Cloverfield Lane.

Interestingly, Chazelle hails from a family of highly educated intellectuals. His mother is a writer and a professor at the University of New Jersey, while his father is a computer scientist at Princeton University. However, despite his privileged background, he didn't rely on family wealth to support his artistic career. Instead, he went to Los Angeles to make a living, honing his creative talents. Like Christopher Nolan, he prefers directing his own scripts.

After completing his debut film in 2009, Chazelle spent the next four years working on his second film, Whiplash. Unfortunately, musical films were considered nearly dead in the contemporary market, except for the occasional teen musical. The unlikable nature of the film's characters also presented a challenge for producers.

Despite the difficulties, Chazelle persevered and managed to take a chance on Oscar night, which paid off. By 2017, Chazelle was still one of the most talked-about young directors. In addition to his debut film, his two other feature films—Whiplash and La La Land—earned him widespread recognition. La La Land in particular was a massive hit, sweeping 14 nominations at the Oscars and winning six, including Best Director for Chazelle, making him the youngest ever to win the award at age 31.

Before La La Land, Whiplash had already demonstrated Chazelle's remarkable talent. The film tells the story of a college freshman at a music school who dreams of becoming a top drummer, only to endure the grueling and often torturous training of his teacher, Fletcher. In essence, the film is about the cost of artistic perfection and the madness that can arise from it.

In 2010, Black Swan explored a similar theme of madness in art. As art reaches perfection, the boundaries between performance and reality blur. Natalie Portman's Oscar-winning performance in Black Swan reflects this intense struggle. Similarly, Whiplash builds its tension through an increasingly obsessive pursuit of perfection, culminating in a mental breakdown, though it focuses more on the thrilling visual impact rather than psychological suspense.

Chazelle's direction highlights the paranoia and extremism of the pursuit of artistic excellence, conveying a sense of bloody cruelty. As the story progresses, it moves beyond the realm of art to explore the core idea of perfectionism, leaving audiences with a thrilling and emotional experience.

While Whiplash may not be perfect, it leaves a profound impact, offering an unforgettable exploration of obsession. If Inside Llewyn Davis reflects the poetic dream of a wanderer lost in time, Whiplash condenses the struggle of an individual against the world, relentlessly pushing toward the extreme.

Both films, though different in scale, share excellence in their respective approaches.

At the Oscars, Whiplash garnered five nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Sound Mixing. It won three awards: Best Supporting Actor, Best Editing, and Best Sound Mixing, with the Best Picture nomination underscoring the film's significance.

A key to Whiplash's success was the powerful performances of the two lead actors: Miles Teller as Andrew and J.K. Simmons as Fletcher. Simmons, who had previously appeared in supporting roles, delivered a career-defining performance as Fletcher. His portrayal of the terrifyingly demanding teacher captivated audiences, earning him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

Andrew, played by Teller, is also a flawed character—arrogant, selfish, and obsessive. His single-minded dedication to his craft mirrors Fletcher's, and through their toxic relationship, Andrew reaches his artistic breakthrough, much like a "black swan" finding its perfect form.

Despite his performance being overshadowed by Simmons, Teller's portrayal still resonates as a testament to his dedication. His experience as a drummer, which he had honed for over ten years, contributed to his fitting portrayal of the role.

While Simmons stole the spotlight, Teller's performance, though less recognized, should not be overlooked. The film's editing, direction, and atmosphere far outshine any one performance, showcasing Chazelle's directorial skill. His mastery in shot composition, editing, and overall storytelling ensures Whiplash remains a stunning achievement.

Chazelle's direction, combined with the powerful performances of the cast, creates a film that is unforgettable, and it remains one of Renly's personal favorites. The light and shadow of La La Land remain vivid in his memory, and encountering Chazelle's work once again on the road is a delightful surprise.

In a city of miracles like Los Angeles, where opportunities seem to be everywhere, Renly finds it amusing that he has stumbled upon one of the most talented directors of his generation.

And yet, in a strange way, Damien Chazelle feels a bit like a stray poodle?