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The Role of Craft in Whiplash: Analyzing Artistic Mastery and Mentorship Essay

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Introduction

The 2014 film “Whiplash,” directed by Damien Chazelle, is a gripping exploration of the workshop element of craft in art. “Whiplash” examines the significance of craftsmanship, independence, and technical mastery in achieving artistic excellence. Through the portrayal of the complicated dynamic, the film delves into themes of craft vs. genius, with Andrew’s pursuit of excellence framed as craft, compared to the mentor’s notion that genius is inherent.

This essay argues that “Whiplash” is a powerful and thought-provoking film exploring the element of craft vs. genius, with an emphasis on craft in today’s culture. Through an analysis of key scenes and themes backed with Staten’s Techne theory and Sennett’s perception and understanding of “workshop,” the essay demonstrates how the film grapples with issues of artistic passion, mentorship, and the human cost of success, ultimately presenting a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of what craft means for upcoming artists.

Staten’s Techne Theory

Henry Staten, a philosopher, has written extensively on the concept of craft or techne. Staten argued that techne involves both practical skill and knowledge of the tools and materials essential to the craft. Staten stated, “A techne is socially developed, and as it is developed, it is socially inscribed, established in the form of a practice henceforth available for transmission to new practitioners…” (10).

Staten emphasized the idea that craft knowledge is embodied knowledge, which means that it is not just a matter of knowing how to do something but also involves a mechanical understanding of the materials and tools involved. This embodied knowledge is acquired through repeated practice and is based on a deep familiarity with the physical world. Therefore, mastery of knowledge requires human agency and creativity or self-sacrifice and willingness to learn. The craftsman can bring something new into being through their creative use of materials and tools.

Staten’s concept of techne highlights the importance of both practical experience and theoretical understanding in developing craft knowledge. The author argued that the craftsman must have a deep understanding of the materials and tools involved in the craft. Staten’s point of view resonates with Sennette’s definition of a workshop in The Craftsman.

Both Staten and Sennette agree that workshops should be described as social places where apprentices and masters or teachers exercise autonomy. Sennette discussed the importance of independence in craftsmanship by discussing that it encourages originality, compared to medieval art, which adopted a managerial style of nurturing talents (73). For instance, instead of the apprentice yelling at students and commanding respect while demanding productivity, Sennette explained that autonomy in the workshop increases productivity and creativity.

In the absence of autonomy, learners feel demotivated and are at risk of suffering from burnout. Sennette wrote that modern workshops have glued people together through “work rituals, sharing a cup of tea, and through mentoring programs” (73). Staten and Sennette’s conception of craft is, therefore, based on elements of freedom and originality, where originality is conceived through freedom and creativity rather than copying from the master.

Craft in Whiplash

Chazelle’s 2014 film “Whiplash” exemplifies the craft element in art, especially by exploring the dynamic relationship between Andrew and Fletcher. Craft is an important aspect of this relationship, encompassing the techniques, skills, and dedication Andrew requires to excel in jazz drumming. At the film’s beginning, Andrew is a promising young jazz drummer eager to impress Fletcher, a renowned music teacher and conductor.

The audience can identify Andrew’s determination and focus on his craft as he practices relentlessly and constantly to improve. Andrew’s goal is to impress the master/genius. However, Fletcher is not easily impressed and demands nothing less than perfection from his students. He cruelly pushes Andrew to his limits, including insults, physical intimidation, and public humiliation. At one point, Fletcher tells Andrew, “That’s not my tempo,” meaning that the apprentice has to copy everything from the master.

Despite Fletcher’s cruel treatment, Andrew pours all his energy and passion into his drumming, practicing for hours on end and sacrificing everything else. Andrew manages to be more creative and productive when working alone, compared to what happens when Fletcher dominates him. This approach of craft contrasts with Fletcher’s conception of a genius who is supposed to copy from the teacher. Andrew becomes more skilled and confident as a drummer, even though Fletcher continues to push Andrew harder and harder, demanding that he perform more difficult pieces and push him to the brink of physical and emotional exhaustion. Staten’s techne theory is applicable in this scene when Andrew reaches the maximum potential in the absence of the abusive master.

Another aspect of craft in the relationship between Andrew and Fletcher is the idea of perfectionism. Both characters are perfectionists in their way, with Fletcher demanding nothing less than flawless performances from his students and Andrew striving to be the best jazz drummer. This pursuit of perfection often comes at a cost, as Andrew sacrifices his relationships, health, and mental well-being in his quest for greatness.

Andrew’s struggle is not much different from Sennette’s description of the British doctors who suffered burnout because of a lack of autonomy and craftsmanship in the workplace (73). Without autonomy and creativity, artists hardly find time to be creative. The single-minded focus on genius mentality kills creativity and innovation while also affecting learners’ mental and physical health.

Fletcher is a master of his craft, but he uses his expertise to assert his dominance over Andrew and the other ensemble members. The master berates his students for their mistakes and uses his knowledge to intimidate and belittle learners. On the other hand, Andrew uses his own craft to gain the power and respect of Fletcher. He becomes increasingly skilled as a jazz drummer and uses this skill to challenge and impress his teacher.

Evaluation of Pillai’s Review of Whiplash

Pillai’s review of the movie “Whiplash” is an insightful analysis of the themes and motifs present in the film. The review analyzes the persona of Fletcher, the domineering and harsh music instructor who pushes his students to their limits. Pillai explores the complex psychology of this character, delving into his motivations and examining his impact on Andrew’s character in the film.

Pillai contextualizes the film within the broader themes of ambition and sacrifice to bring out the meaning of craft. The review draws parallels between the character of Andrew Neiman, the ambitious drummer who is willing to sacrifice everything to achieve greatness, and the broader cultural obsession with success at all costs. Pillai brings in the genius mindset by stating that “his movements dictated by the hands of the tyrannical conductor…” (para. 5) when referring to Fletcher’s teaching style. Pillai’s review indicates the tense relationship between the teacher and the learner.

Despite discussing the importance of craft and its elements in the film, Pillai deviates from the main argument and content that talent is inherent. This is against craft because knowledge is only acquired through practice and sharing. Pillai states that “…bandleader has represented commercial forces that restrain creativity…” (para. 7). The statement is applicable to medieval workshops but not in modern societies where autonomy and creativity determine success.

Modern managers must create social environments in workshops rather than forcing students to learn under pressure. There is a need for a collective approach to empower artists, provide support, and allow individuals to exercise liberty and creativity to come up with new ideas. It is evident in the review that Pillai captures the craft element in the film but loses it when he starts discussing the importance of having powerful teachers to control and regulate art.

Conclusion

“Whiplash” is a masterful exploration of the relationship between craft and art and the tension between these concepts. “Whiplash” explores the value of craft, autonomy, and technical proficiency in pursuing artistic excellence. The character of Fletcher, the abusive music teacher, represents a medieval/traditional understanding of workshops. The intense discipline and relentless practice demanded by the teacher end up being wasteful as it denies the learners more time to grasp the content. Nevertheless, the film recognizes the importance of creativity and autonomy in the artistic process. Creativity thrives when artists are allowed to practice, exercise, and experiment with new skills.

Works Cited

Chazelle, Darmiene. Director. . Sony Pictures Classics, 2014. Web.

Pillai, Nicolas. “The Conversation. Web.

Sennett, Richard. “The Workshop.” The Craftsman, edited by Sennett, Richard, Yale University Press, 2008, pp. 52-87.

Staten, Henry. “The Techne Standpoint.” Techne Theory: A New Language for Art, edited by Staten, Henry, Bloomsbury Publishing, 2019, pp. 3-15.

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IvyPanda. 2025. "The Role of Craft in Whiplash: Analyzing Artistic Mastery and Mentorship." March 10, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-role-of-craft-in-whiplash-analyzing-artistic-mastery-and-mentorship/.

1. IvyPanda. "The Role of Craft in Whiplash: Analyzing Artistic Mastery and Mentorship." March 10, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-role-of-craft-in-whiplash-analyzing-artistic-mastery-and-mentorship/.


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IvyPanda. "The Role of Craft in Whiplash: Analyzing Artistic Mastery and Mentorship." March 10, 2025. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-role-of-craft-in-whiplash-analyzing-artistic-mastery-and-mentorship/.

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