The dude was intense. He slapped his student around trying to make a point about the tempo. I wouldn't want him as a teacher.

He obviously had talent as a musician. But he slapped Miles Teller's character repeatedly and threw something (I think it was a chair?) at him too.

@Satch_the_man said:

He obviously had talent as a musician. But he slapped Miles Teller's character repeatedly and threw something (I think it was a chair?) at him too.

Oh yeah, that's right. Good thing Andrew had quick reflexes. Imagine if he threw a chair to a student who wasn't able to duck in time.

He was absolutely abusive, and that wouldn't be allowed at a professional institution. But it makes for an interesting debate, because it was that intense mistreatment that ultimately transformed Teller

@chasman99 said:

He was absolutely abusive, and that wouldn't be allowed at a professional institution. But it makes for an interesting debate, because it was that intense mistreatment that ultimately transformed Teller

this is interesting... Teller's character seemed pretty driven from the beginning, even to the extent of slightly alienating the pretty girl he was interested in...

I wonder how much internal vs. external intensity matters more in these situations...

Even after being abused by Fletcher, it was like Neimann still wanted approval from him.

This was kind of one of reasons why I didn't enjoy the movie as much as I wanted to. It was borderline fantasy in how a teacher could get away with such abuse, both physically and verbally. If it was set maybe 20-30 years ago it could be believable, but in this day and age he would no way be able to get away with the stuff he did.

I really don't believe such high intense pressure (as shown in the film) could transform anyone except put them off altogether or drive them to suicide (as it did with one student)

Stockholm syndrome?

I'm so glad this wasn't a true story for so many reasons. I would have given up drums very quickly if I had experienced the likes of Fletcher.

It was a little too intense, especially things like him bleeding all over the kit

Yes, it was over the top given the setting and the time, but thought provoking nonetheless. I think a small fraction of people do need a Fletcher type to get the best out of them. A fear of humiliation combined with "I'll prove him wrong" mindset amongst the students.

Ultimately, the Fletchers of this world will end up alienating and chasing away more talent than he would develop. I doubt any of the greatest minds in human history pushed the boundaries of human knowledge by being bullied into it. They just had an inner drive (and a whole lot of natural ability of course).

Plus, as the film depicts, bullies like Fletcher may contribute to mental health issues. Looking back I actually thought he was emotional on hearing about the suicide because his greatest protege had died before attaining fame (rather than any concern for the kid). That simply added to the complexity of the character as somewhere between a well meaning bully, or an undiluted scumbag.

I haven't seen Simmons in any films prior to this, but used to watch him in Oz, which in some ways took away from his performance for me. I think intimidating malevolence is his comfort zone. :p