Blue Jasmine-2013

Director Woody Allen

Starring Cate Blanchett

Scott’s Review #92

Reviewed July 3, 2014

Grade: A

Blue Jasmine (2013) is Woody Allen’s latest offering and one of his best since the 1970s.

I have heard from several people who aren’t typical Woody Allen fans but loved this film, and I wonder why.

My theory is that Cate Blanchett, who stars as neurotic Jasmine, is the heart and soul of this movie.

Allen’s films usually center on neurotic characters, and this film is no different.

Set primarily in San Francisco, it shows how Jasmine has lost all her money because of bad investments by her ex-husband (played in flashbacks by Alec Baldwin).

She is a socialite used to a life of excess and extravagance.

Now Jasmine is reduced to making a clean start by rooming with her blue-collar sister, played by Sally Hawkins, and trying to scrape by.

Jasmine struggles to find success and the means to survive.

The film is hysterical, heartbreaking, and even a downer at moments.

With the help of pills and martinis, Jasmine is snobbish and ego-centric, yet the audience falls in love with her and roots for her.

She is high-class yet broke. She keeps up appearances, and her wit, usually at the expense of others, never falters.

Blanchett is responsible for the love of this character and, thankfully, won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal.

The dialogue is sharp, witty, and filled with laugh-out-loud moments. Thanks to much of it taking place in flashbacks, the audience sees Jasmine’s life as it once was, having everything and then some, then back to her current reality, back and forth.

This is a wise choice, showing both of her lives.

Blue Jasmine (2013) is one of Woody Allen’s best.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Actress-Cate Blanchett (won), Best Supporting Actress-Sally Hawkins, Best Original Screenplay

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Female Lead-Cate Blanchett (won), Best Supporting Female-Sally Hawkins, Best Screenplay