re: Question About Whiplash Ending

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I think his intent at the end was strictly to humiliate Andrew. I don’t think it was a machination to bring out the greatness in him.

But once Andrew started his “frick you” solo, Fletcher realized that the greatness was coming out and got on board.

That was my take at least.

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This is 100% correct IMO. He was an a-hole, first and foremost. And he had to be in control of his students. Once he had accomplished that he could essentially do what he wanted to them...if they faltered it was because they were weak, couldn’t cut it, and didn’t have what it takes. If they excelled it was because he had pushed them to be great. So either way he got the glory, whether it's weeding out the bad ones or molding the great ones.

In the end though, he was strictly trying to put Andrew down once and for all. He recognized his talents but didn’t respect them. It was only when Andrew fought back with his “No, frick YOU” solo that he actually respected his greatness and rode that wave during the performance.


ETA: I recently watched this again and it still holds up really well and is as good as I remembered. Fantastic movie.