Blue Jasmine film review

What would Blanche DuBois look like if she were left alone and penniless in 2013?  This is the question I like to imagine served Woody Allen as the inspiration to write Blue Jasmine.  For, certainly, Jasmine French feels a lot like one of Tennessee Williams' grand dames and her situation has unmistakable parallels with that of Blanche's.  Wisely, though, Allen has not rewritten or reimagined A Streetcar Named Desire.  While he may owe the central character to Williams, around her he has crafted a story that is all his own.  It is a story that balances despondency with buoyancy, and Allen stamps the film with his signature brand of humour in a more refined way than ever.  This film belongs to a mature film-maker secure in his medium and confident with his voice.  The story does take a few turns that feel "easy", to give it a pat ending, but I am nevertheless sure this was 100% the film Allen wanted to make.  And, as an Allen fan, that alone makes it worth watching.

Much like a Williams play, the weight of this film rests squarely on the shoulders of its leading lady.  And what a leading lady we have in Cate Blanchett.  Blanchett's film roles are always Oscar-worthy, but with Jasmine we see her employ a raft of new tricks and the result is mesmerising.  Her role dominates the landscape, but rounding out the cast we have an array of stellar actors, each one an inspired choice.  Sally Hawkins and Bobby Carnavale both deliver exquisite performances, with Carnavale serving as our most consistent reminder that this is a Woody Allen film.  

Jasmine's story is ultimatley a sad one, but the film never lets such a tone take over.  It focuses, instead, on the unpredictability of life, and to see Jasmine embrace that unpredictability is something of an inspiration.  Regardless of the destination, she takes us on a wonderful journey.  This, and the many colourful characters make the film a joy to watch.

See this film if you like Tennessee Williams and/or Woody Allen and/or Cate Blanchett and/or ambitious quests for happiness.