Blue Jasmine (2013) Review

3.5/5

Should you buy a ticket? Yes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. This is not your typical Woody Allen film. There is very little comedy (but the comedy that does exist works) and it moves at a pace I didn't quite settle in with. I was surprised to feel, upon the conclusion, a bit of an emptiness toward the film, but perhaps that was the point. It tells a story, a full and complete and, of course, superbly told story, yet I didn't connect with it on a level I felt I should have. I did enjoy it, and heartily recommend it. The best aspect of the film, however, is another entity entirely.
Cate Blanchett. Wow. Wow, wow, wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. I forgot I was watching an actress in this role as she completely melts into the script and the character and becomes Jasmine. She is a true chameleon, a true artist, and here, as her descent into madness is slowly surely occurring and documented with precision she shines and establishes herself not merely as the frontrunner for the Best Actress Oscar, but as one of the best actresses of our generation if not ever. She has proven herself time and time again and this time she outdoes herself and makes you believe that she herself is an unstable and unpredictable, somewhat crazed yet always human woman. Wow is right.
The supporting characters all play their parts very well. Alec Baldwin turns in a brave performance, Sally Hawkins is cheery and depressed all at once with skill, Bobby Cannavale is convincing, Peter Sarsgaard is always welcome, Louis C.K. is good yet tragically underused, and Andrew Dice Clay will surprise you with his ability to pull at your heartstrings. The cast rocks.
Woody Allen, one of the most important filmmakers of all time, is worthy of praise here. He has written characters that resonate and a story that is relevant and moves quickly. I do hope you seek out this film, as it has so many positive attributes it is not to be ignored.