By Keeva Stratton
Director Woody Allen has delivered his latest film, Blue Jasmine.
From the opening scenes to its conclusion, you will be immersed in a skilfully written and expertly delivered drama, featuring yet another richly observed female protagonist, one of Allen’s hallmarks.
We meet the refined and perfectly coiffed Jasmine (Cate Blanchett), as she is moving in with her working-class sister, Ginger (Sally Hawkins).
Their relationship is uneasy. We soon learn that this state of affairs is the result of Jasmine’s ex-husband (Alec Baldwin) having lost Ginger’s entire savings (as well as Jasmine’s) on a Ponzi scheme that eventually landed him behind bars.
Brutally brought down from a Park Avenue life, Jasmine is struggling to cope with her newfound averageness, and often slips into a delusional state, where she re-enacts past conversations. Her battle between her past and present plays out in a series of flashbacks, and is nurtured by a dependence on painkillers.
Through these flashbacks, we begin to delve deeper into the backstory that continues to dominate the present.
Ginger packs bags at the local supermarket and dates a mechanic. She is without the grace or looks of her sister (as both were adopted from different birth parents), but finds satisfaction in her simple life.
Jasmine’s presence is difficult for her. It makes her question the life she’s built and valued, and the people she holds dear. Ginger cannot help but be entranced by Jasmine’s presence, even if she is now a broken shell. It is this tangled thread that continues to feed Jasmine’s ego, and allows her to shirk her new reality longer than she should.
Jasmine is an intriguing character indeed. Why should you care for this former socialite whose false riches were taken from her? You do, because Blanchett’s performance is simply that good.
Jasmine might lie, appear vacuous, artificial and cold, but her pain is real and you cannot help but be swept up in it. Blanchett’s mix of fragility and brazenness draws you into this complex character. She is simultaneously alluringly confident and remarkably broken.
Like all Woody Allen films, humour, honed to a sharp edge, plays a humanising role. It’s used to parody the encumbrances of class, pitting the ‘privileged’ Jasmine as the victim in contrast to her penniless sister. As always, Allen’s writing is sublimely alert to the many nuances of human relationships.
In case there was any doubt, Blue Jasmine will surely secure Blanchett’s place as the most talented Australian actress of her generation, and lead many to wonder whether Allen’s knack for delivering Oscar-winning roles to his leads has happened again here.
Enjoy.
Directed by: Woody Allen
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Alex Baldwin, Sally Hawkins
Rating: M
Runtime: 98 mins
Release Date: September 12
Reviewer Rating: 4.5/5
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