Whiplash (2014)

[Navigator]

The movie was great, it is a very good example of the petty tyrants in the style of Castaneda. The interaction forces the protagonist to a choice: either level up or ran away from the hardships of the task.

There is a bit of nuance here. On one side he wants to prove everyone wrong, his family, his teacher and himself. It could be argued that that motivation feeds on a limiting emotion. On the other side, he enjoys the journey of having a worthy challenge in front of him. If I recall correctly, the movie mentions some of the all time drumming greats as figures of estature and example.

Coming back to the matter of choice, it is the journey that captures the attention of the audience. In the end it is a choice that not everyone is ready to take or endure, as portrayed by the other collegues of his. And combined with the sufficient talent he heroically comes through. I think in the end he gets back at his teacher, with the scene at the jazz festival, and that is also a reflection of the story from Castaneda that illustrates his petty tyrant concept.

And this getting back at his tyrant is also a fascinating theme on itself. Was it justified? Was it impeccable of him to do so? Did it serve a higher purpose? All very interesting questions that depend context and intent.

From this site:

"A petty tyrant is a tormentor. Someone who either holds the power of life and death over warriors or simply annoys them to distraction."
~Carlos Castaneda – The Fire from Within~

“My benefactor used to say that a warrior who stumbles on a petty tyrant is a lucky one.”
~Don Juan~

A petty tyrant is a person who causes distress by imposing his/her will on others using psychological pressure rather than physical force. The petty tyrant feels he may impose his will because he believes that he is a superior being and because he wants to operate from a position of authority.

 

[kenlee]

Essentially what’s going on between the main characters of this movie is the complete opposite to the activities that develops one’s cosmic antennae as presented by @luc in this new thread about Densities.

This is very true. It's really the difference
between external perfection and the development of the Will/Being thru internal transformation. They are not mutually exclusive but the Will to external perfection can exclude the Will for deeper understanding and the development of inner Being for narcissistic personal notoriety, power, and personal gain.