Everyone’s had that aggressive teacher before, right? The one who pushes their students to be their best — refusing to let anything other than their full potential shine through? Yeah well, J.K. Simmons’ character in Whiplash is like the scarier, more insane version of that teacher. He’ll throw things, you’ll cry, and somehow beg for more? At least if you’re Miles Teller, Fletcher’s protégé of the moment.

Nerdist’s own protégé with the most-égé, Dan Casey, sat down with Teller, Simmons, and the film’s writer/director Damien Chazelle to talk music, pushing one’s limits, the crazy things we do for that which we love, and — of course, because this is Nerdist — Fantastic Four. Because who can’t imagine Reed Richards breaking it down on the ones and twos, amirite? Thankfully, even if you’re limited in that sort visualization, this film will have you wondering no more. (But only because Teller plays Mr. Fantastic. Not because he’s dressed up as the character and playing the drums or anything. Sorry/maybe next time.)

Are you going to check out Whiplash when it hurtles into theaters (on a limited basis) on Friday (today!), October 10th? Let us know in the comments.