Blue Jasmine

Review – Never in doubt is Woody Allen’s talent. His virtuosity for dialogue alone is without question and “Blue Jasmine” is no exception. Though after writing and directing almost 50 films (his writing credits alone are into the 70s) I can see his audience sometimes wondering, “Why?” did he make this picture or that picture. There were times during “Blue Jasmine” that I wondered that, and then I’d find myself wrapped up in a scene. I found myself caught in the flighty bizarrishness of the character’s interaction, enwrapped in the heavy handed emotional breakdown of a character, or even in the simple normality of a well-acted conversation. This is why A-List actors line up to make anything Woody Allen offers up.

To me, that’s what his fans really, really care about too. I don’t feel that scenarios, plausibility, or intent factor into his audience’s mind; only the characters words, and therefore, only the actor’s delivery. In the case of ‘Blue Jasmine” it’s Kate Blanchett’s turn to shine as a wilting socialite who’s lost a family, a fortune, and quite possibly her mind. This is rich material. Now, I’m a big fan of “Midnight in Paris” and Kate’s character and performance trumps anything Woody may have had in mind for “Midnight.” Kate plays an emotional wreck of a person, in constant tears, puffy faced and teetering on the edge of a hospital commitment. “Blue Jasmine” is not at all one of my favorite characters or films, but she’s just amazing to watch work.

The remainder of the cast sees some standouts in Sally Hawkins, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Dice Clay, and some welcome acting stock in Alec Baldwin, Louis C.K., and Peter Sarsgaard. Though they all play second fiddle to Kate’s Jasmine, they all fill out their characters and the storyline exceptionally well.

I can’t in any way guarantee your enjoyment or cash value for “Blue Jasmine” but I can tell you it’s an actor’s dream; okay maybe a nightmare but what fun to get into the meat of this material. Damnit Woody, I don’t “Love it,” but this is good stuff.

-m-