Dig the movie, dig the ideas. Plot is simple. Young jazz student strives to impress his teacher who places nigh-impossible demands on his students.
I absolutely identify with Andrew when he mocks his cousins (or whoever) at dinner for their meaningless achievements. However, I never had the energy nor will to pursue being the best. Too lazy, too easily discourage. But I'm comfortable not being the best while I still sneer at those who are overly congratulatory about minor accomplishments, like playing DIII football. It makes you an above average athlete, but don't pat yourself on the back too hard. Nailing that scene is extremely important to the movie, as it gives us the first hard evidence that Andrew is insanely driven internally and not just cowering to the will of his teacher.
What's missing for me is how the teacher earned such gravitas. We just accept that he knows what he's talking about. The movie sets up Simmons character well here as this question didn't occur to me until days after the movie. And it's not necessary to the film, but would have been nice to know.
Simmons performance is great and deserving of an Oscar. He's equal parts hilarious, devious, and pure evil. It reminded me of R. Lee Ermey's performance in Full Metal Jacket, only more nuanced. He flashes kindness and personality only to set up future abuse. However, I had trouble accepting his actions in the finale because it was so cuckoo. He sabotages himself and an entire orchestra in an attempt to embarrass Andrew. Some may argue that he was pushing Andrew harder, but no part of Simmons' actions signal that Andrew reacts the way he wanted. When Andrew fails and walks off, Simmons is smug amusement. When Andrew storms back to the stage and starts playing, Simmons is pissed but goes along to save face. When Andrew keeps playing as the rest of the band stops, Simmons is again baffled and angry. Instead of being some ultimate mind trick to push Andrew to greatness, I think Simmons' character used that "greatness" explanation as a post hoc justification for being a petty asshole. It just doesn't make sense to me that a well intentioned, smart person would sabotage an entire orchestra, and himself, at a public event just to push one person to greatness. I also think that at some point a well intentioned person would reflect on their actions and possibly blame themselves for a student's suicide or a student almost dying in a car wreck.
First Viewing: 2+2+3+3+3 = 13