Aggression has been humankind’s steady companion throughout history-in life, literature, and art. Some have suggested that aggression is a learned behavior, others that it is an innate, genetically inherited drive. Regardless of these theories, aggression is front and center (orchestra pun) in “Whiplash.”

The film tells the story of a young jazz drummer named Andrew (played by Miles Teller) who is forced to extreme circumstances in order to achieve the approval of his sadistic music teacher and, as a result, the greatness he longs for. When I first saw this film, I was immediately taken back by the extremes to which this music teacher (played by J.K. Simmons) pushes his pupil-verbal slurs, hurling chairs, and physical abuse. These actions are rarely seen in films anymore for fear of angering some focus group (probably middle-aged parents). But seeing these teacher’s actions and the subsequent student’s acceptance was remarkable. By the end, you realize their relationship is symbiotic, needing each other to achieve greatness.

Their relationship also relates the frustration-aggression hypothesis pioneered by John Dollard. He states that aggressive behavior was born out of frustration in attempting to reach a goal. When basic needs are thwarted, aggression appears. For Miles, his desire for greatness is being challenged by his music teacher, compelling him to dump his girlfriend, play after a horrendous car crash, and continuously submit to his teacher. While extreme as it may seem, “Whiplash” offers a wonderful examination of aggression as an impetus to greatness.