Think J.K. Simmons Was Intense in 'Whiplash'? Wait Until You See the Film That Inspired It

Whiplash, the breakout film by future Oscar-winning director of La La Land, Damien Chazelle, was initially a coveted Black List script picked up by producers Jason Blum and Jason Reitman, who suggested to the young director to make a proof-of-concept for his semi-autobiographical story about an aspiring jazz drummer who pushes himself to the limits of human will. What they received was more than just a quick trial run, as the Whiplash short would go on to win the Short Film Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013. Described as "Shine meets Full Metal Jacket" by Reitman, the harrowing short, which starred J.K. Simmonsbefore winning an Oscar, makes the feature look like a light, freestyle jazz number.