I really enjoyed Whiplash. Really the only thing I would agree with is the car accident. It did bother me that he just walked away from it. But at the same time, I think it was a decent device to show how badly he needed to play. That was his chance, the whole story was leading up to him being discovered and he knew that's where it needed to happen. While walking away from the accident is unrealistic, him pushing his way past the alternates to play makes sense. It would be like if someone got injured one their way to their first ever NHL game. He would do anything to make that happen. I actually thought the kid would die of a brain hemorrhage or something while on stage.
I also found it really odd that Fletcher would submarine his own performance by not giving him the music. But I think, as said in here, he really didn't give a crap about that ensemble, and said as such when they chatted at the bar. Someone with the issues he has and knowing the kid had him canned from his dream job, I could see why he would end up doing that.
Personally, the final scene made the movie. He finally took control for himself, rather than trying to follow someone lesser, he decided to say "f this" and show what he was really made of. That solo was incredible and I especially like him mouthing "F*** you" to Fletcher and slamming the crash symbol in his face. And then his dad, who didn't seem to understand how good his son was, watching through the door. The whole last 10 minutes was his redemption for letting Fletcher walk over him, for giving up a social life, for all the frustration from his family having no idea how good he is, and for very nearly giving his life in the pursuit of that one chance to show what he is. And he blew everyone away. I loved it and have re-watched that last part a couple times.
As a drummer, yes, my hands have bled. Usually more from smoking my hand on a rim than from blisters, but I get blisters every time I play. I would bet the only reason they don't end up bleeding is because I stop when they get bad. Playing that fast for that long, yeah, I think his hands would be bleeding. Bonham's hands used to bleed too.
Side bar, It can't have been easy for them to find a good actor who could also play the drums that proficiently. I commend the filmmakers for casting it that way, and commend Teller for being a fricken good drummer.
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