Through The Rear Window: Movie Review ... Blue Jasmine

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Movie Review ... Blue Jasmine

Every year director Woody Allen releases a film to much excitement. Such has been the overall calibre of his work ranging from ‘Annie Hall’ to ‘Hannah and Her Sisters’. Whilst his recent creative out-put has been patchy his movies always provoke discussion. ‘Blue Jasmine’ is no different as it skilfully blends social commentary with laughs. Often causing controversy in his private life, his professional one continues apace with fine works such as his latest.

Hal (Alec Baldwin) and Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) are a wealthy married couple enjoying the high life. This is shattered when Hal asks for a divorce. Seeking revenge, Jasmine exposes some of her husband’s dodgy financial deals. This causes an emotional chain reaction with Jasmine moving in with her sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins). Living a middle-class existence, Ginger shares little in common with her sister. As Jasmine slowly adjusts to her new life, their bond is tested with all manner of unexpected obstacles.

Woody Allen’s greatest gift is crafting humour from bad situations. ‘Blue Jasmine’ has plenty with the sisters’ often sad lives painful to watch. That it doesn’t become depressing is a testament to a screenplay allowing humour to naturally arise from their predicaments. Jasmine’s constant neurosis and Ginger’s hopeless love-life perfectly blend in ‘Blue Jasmine’s’ themes of self-worth and moving on.

As usual Allen has assembled an excellent cast. Blanchett and Hawkins bring genuine authenticity to their characters relationship. You really shouldn’t like them at all but that you come to care about them is a credit to their powerful performances. They are ably supported by their strong co-stars who wisely under-play their roles to match the general mood. A lot is packed in the brisk run-time which successfully ensures you remain connected to the gripping narrative.

Whilst not in the upper echelons of Woody Allen’s work, ‘Blue Jasmine’ still has much merit. More engaging than recent works, it flies on its great performances with its examination of the human condition enthralling.