"Does Blood, Sweat and Tears Lead to Success?"
Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, in pursuit of rising to the top of his elite music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor known for his terrifying teaching methods, discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into the top jazz ensemble, forever changing the young man's life. But Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher pushes him to the brink of his ability and his sanity.
Scenario:
Andrew and his father (Jim) are having dinner with family, including his Aunt Emma, Uncle Frank, and two cousins, Dustin and Travis. They are discussing their own meaning of success.
Selected Scene:
Business Tip:
Scenario:
Andrew and his father (Jim) are having dinner with family, including his Aunt Emma, Uncle Frank, and two cousins, Dustin and Travis. They are discussing their own meaning of success.
Selected Scene:
Frank: So that's your idea of success, huh?Andrew: I think being the greatest musician of the 20th century is anybody's idea of success.Jim: Dying... Broke and drunk and full of heroin at the age of 34 is not exactly my idea of success.Andrew: I'd rather die drunk, broke at 34, and have people at a dinner table talk about me than live to be rich and sober at 90 and nobody remembered who I was.Frank: Ah, but your friends will remember you, that's the point.Andrew: None of us were friends with Charlie Parker. THAT's the point.Frank: Travis and Dustin, they have plenty of friends and plenty of purpose.Andrew: I'm sure they'll make great school board presidents someday.Dustin: Oh, that's what this is all about? You think you're better than us?Andrew: You catch on quick. Are you in Model UN?Travis: I got a reply for you, Andrew. You think Carlton football's a joke? Come play with us.Andrew: Four words you will never hear from the NFL.
Business Tip:
Let me start by saying success (like beauty) is generally in the eye of the beholder. For example, is a Wall Street bank executive more successful than a lead actor or actress in a long-running Broadway musical? How about someone living in a huge 7 bedroom house on a hill with no friends, versus someone who lives in a 1 bedroom apartment with friends over every weekend? In the world of business, success is generally defined as someone at or near the top of their respective field. To get to the top requires a long list of words and sayings you probably have read hundreds of times in the Google+ feed or from various family members on facebook or twitter (determination, focus, perseverance, etc.). If one was to live by a motto of following all the positive traits needed for success, he/she is walking a fine line between obsession and reality. What is often omitted in business advice is the need to balance obsession with self control.
In the movie, Andrew sacrifices a relationship with his girlfriend, pushes away family and friends, and risks his own health and safety to be the next Charlie Parker. Fortunately, he was able to get back some control of his life which allowed him to successfully deal with what seemed to be a damaging situation at the end of the movie. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a little blood, sweat, and tears when working toward your version of success. However, be sure to have a mechanism to periodically monitor that you are on the right track---listen to friends and family, check your personal happiness. If you're constantly pissed at every little thing, then you're probably on the wrong track. If it helps, I determine success by the value and reputation of one's name.
In the movie, Andrew sacrifices a relationship with his girlfriend, pushes away family and friends, and risks his own health and safety to be the next Charlie Parker. Fortunately, he was able to get back some control of his life which allowed him to successfully deal with what seemed to be a damaging situation at the end of the movie. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a little blood, sweat, and tears when working toward your version of success. However, be sure to have a mechanism to periodically monitor that you are on the right track---listen to friends and family, check your personal happiness. If you're constantly pissed at every little thing, then you're probably on the wrong track. If it helps, I determine success by the value and reputation of one's name.
