I've developed a very solid affection for Woody Allen's films over the years, and while not completely immersed in his old films, I have been a solid follower of his most recent work. Blue Jasmine stands up with Midnight in Paris as one of his better recent films, albeit it is far less whimsical than Midnight and acts as more a pseudo-depressing study of social disgrace and mental breakdown. Cate Blanchett is excellent as Jasmine, the destroyed, disgraced and spoiled former wife of a corrupt New York Banker (Alec Baldwin), forced to live with her sister (Sally Dawkins), in San Francisco.
The film surrounds Jasmine, who while still reeling from her nervous breakdown following her former husband's arrest and suicides, attempts to move on. Not much more to be said, other than the story is captivating, there are solid performances from the all-star cast including Alec Baldwin, Andrew Dice Clay, Louis CK amongst others, as well as dabs of witty humour that comes standard in Allen's scripts.
I think the film lends itself to deeper interpretation particular linked to the manner in which men and women are portrayed in the film. The film asks questions as to the nature of love, trust and honesty in relationships both sexual and familial. Blue Jasmine is a must-watch for Allen fans but also an enjoyable and interesting film that I would recommend to the art-house crowd.
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