You rarely can go wrong with a Woody Allen Film. The iconic Writer/Filmmaker’s uncanny ability to get inside the heads of his Characters is remarkable and latest Drama Blue Jasmine is no exception, essentially serving as an early Oscars Vehicle for the superb Cate Blanchett who really gives it her all here.
After a crisis forces her to build a new life, glamorous New York Socialite Jasmine (Blanchett) reunites with her Sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins) in San Francisco, disrputing the flow of her life. In non-linear fashion, we learn the back story behind the relatsionship between these Sisters and also the events leading to their own unfoldings respectively. Wealth by marriage to Hal (Alec Baldwin) has created a great socio-economic divide between Ginger and Jasmine and the latter particularly is vocal about her disapproving the former’s choice of Lovers. Allen has the unique ability of captivating us with unconventional Heros and Heriones, never opting for an easy way out or a neat, tidy happy ending.
Smartly-written, multi-dimensional Characters make Blue Jasmine a fascinating experience. Each of Allen’s Principal Characters here are flawed in their own right but it is their mistakes which make them irresistible. Despite Blanchett‘s increasingly-dependent Jasmine being unapologetically deplorable at points, there is a real compassion at the core of her portrayal, drawing us in and making us root for success in her re-invention. The task at hand for her is by no means an easy one, delving deep into the psyche of a Woman whom under unfortunate circumstances is unwell and trying.
The always engaging Hawkins completely is believable in her trans-Atlantic transformation, the vibrant red to Jasmine‘s blue. Beneath her deep-seated resentment towards the spoiled Jasmine, her forgiving spirit and unconditional love towards her never could be mistaken. And rounding out the brilliant Ensemble is the likeable Bobby Cannavale as Ginger‘s Boyfriend Chili, often the target of Jasmine‘s harsh criticisms and a sociopathic Alec Baldwin as the swindling Hal is cast perfectly, convincing us in his mind he has done none wrong. The talented Alden Ehrenreich appears briefly but memorably as Jasmine‘s Son, Danny. Peter Sarsgaard as potential Love Interest Dwight, plays off Blanchett perfectly, revealing her at her best.
Mongrel Media releases the unmissable Blue Jasmine in Toronto and Vancouver on Friday, August 2, 2013.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com