My chosen research topic is the concept of ‘Achieving Greatness’ with its main emphasis question “Can you plan greatness”? The achievement of greatness is rather difficult to define. Greatness is a notion of a state of superiority affecting an individual or object. What makes a person great is often very different and quite personal, and one individual's conception of greatness might not be somebody else’s. However, there are distinct ways and strategies in which a person can focus and develop in themselves that could help them succeed a level of ‘achieve greatness’. I will be examining these factors that contribute to high levels of success, factors such as discipline, fear, obedience and dedication. Also researching the mental, physical and social aspects and their effects. I would like to further research these elements and investigate the outcomes of these practices and explore the effects and consequences when applied to life.
A Sundance Festival film called Whiplash, released in 2014 written and directed by Damien Chazelle is what sparked my interest in the topic. A multiple award winning film praised for its production and performances. It stars Miles Teller as Andrew Neyman, an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of an elite music conservatory. Andrew has a strong desire to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher played by J.K. Simmons, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying and unorthodox methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the music conservatory. Andrew's passion to achieve perfection rapidly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the edge of both his ability-and his sanity.
I found Whiplash to be very intense, thrilling, and thought provoking. The range of reviews and reactions from the audience has fascinated me to search further into the topic. The subject of the film allows viewers to reflect personally on their own morals and ethics. I think this topic and research will be important and relevant to everyone as it a subject matter that focuses on the self-development of a person. The results of this topic of interest will be applicable, as each person has goals and aspirations, passions they would like to pursue and careers they aim to be successful in.
