Review of Blue Jasmine (2013) by Lewis L — 08 Feb 2014

Woody Allen has been making films since 1965 and at 78 years old, he is still at the top of his game. Many of his films contain strong or sometimes fragile female characters that always make good projects for actresses to showcase their talents. "Blue Jasmine" is another one of those films as it tells the story of a New York socialite who is suddenly penniless and going through a life crisis.

Allen walks that fine line between comedy and tragedy and brilliantly paints a picture of a character that is neither likable nor unlikable - an anti-heroine in some respects. Jasmine is a woman who may be hard to sympathize with but she is also someone who audiences can come to root for given her current circumstances and state of mind. That central figure is realized by an amazing performance by Cate Blanchett and a career best for her. In essence, the narrative is filled with characters searching and trying to make the right choices.

Supporting performances from Sally Hawkins (Ginger), Bobby Cannavale (Chili), Andrew Dice Clay (Augie), Alec Baldwin and Peter Sarsgaard, makes for another strong ensemble.