Was Andrew Really Rushing? Fact-Checking the Reality and Musicology Behind 'Not Quite My Tempo'
By Alexander Ross
The film’s thrilling finale centers on Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol's "Caravan." Andrew hijacks the Carnegie Hall stage, launching into an unhinged, blistering solo that pushes the tempo past human limits. Sweat pools on the snare head; blood spatters across the brass.
Cinematically, it is a triumph of editing and dynamic tension. Musically, percussionists point out that Neiman’s marathon solo abandons musicality in favor of aggressive athletic endurance. The scene portrays artistic transcendence as an act of pure defiance against Fletcher’s abuse. When Fletcher smiles and adjusts the cymbal stand during Andrew's drum roll, the film seals a tragic pact: Andrew has surrendered his humanity, his mental health, and his physical well-being to win the approval of a monster.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
