Narrative features in Whiplash

Todorov narrative theory explains the five stages of the film's narrative, which I will be applying to this trailer analysis of Whiplash.

The trailer begins with the exposition stage, which is the equilibrium of the film. An establishing shot of New York City is used to show the audience the setting of the film. New York city is referred to as capital of entertainment, therefore suggests plot will consist of protagonist aspiring to break into the industry. The camera cuts to two characters in a café, the diegetic music smooth, lounge jazz creates a relax atmosphere.  

Close up shot shows characters playing footsies under the table, which is an act of flirting showing the audience they are in a romantic relationship. This appeals to the female target audience, who are stereotypical interested in romance. 

Change in the non-diegetic music from subtle to upbeat jazz indicates the transition to development stage in the narrative. This stage disrupts the equilibrium, in the trailer, this can be seen when male protagonist breaks up with his girlfriend to focus on becoming “great” and attends his dream music school. “It’s the best music school in the country” this dialogue indicts the male protagonist is going to have to make sacrifices in his personal life to achieve his dreams.  Close-up shot shows the protagonist getting physically and verbally attacked by the instructor “if you deliberately sabotage my band I gut you like a pig”. The protagonist is also compared to a “weeping 9-year-old girl” subverting to the stereotype men should keep their emotions intact.

The instructor is portrayed as terrifying, ruthless and pushy, which raises questions in the audience mind about his motives/ intentions.   

Suspense base note indicts complication phase in the narrative the music instructor is a lunatic, protagonist breaks up his girlfriend and there’s a raised stranded on what is perceived as “good’ jazz drummer.  

Father shows anger towards the treatment received by his son from the music instructor “ I would never let my son through hell” leading to resolution phase. Additionally, to intensify the scene low lighting creates tension. Although the trailer doesn’t show the climax of the film fast-paced editing, montage of text, suspense bass note builds up suspense, promising an amazing climax.                

The trailer ends with the title Whiplash and social media sites where target audience can share the trailer and find out more about the film. There are aspects of the film, which appeals to both the male and female audience however it is reacted R.     

Throughout the trailers there were many enigmas, lots of unanswered questions, this captivates the audience to watch the film because they want answers.

1)   Will protagonist get back with his girlfriend?

2)   What’s the music instructor motive?

3)    Will he become one of the “greatest”?