Blue Jasmine (2013)

Director: Woody Allen

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Sally Hawkins

A New York socialite, deeply troubled and in denial, arrives in San Francisco to impose upon her sister. She looks a million, but isn’t bringing money, peace, or love…

‘Blue Jasmine’ is a comedy drama about the demise of a pretentious socialite, in a downward spiral to near insanity.

Cate Blanchett is excellent as Jasmine, who married a wealthy real estate mogul. She had everything her heart desired and more. Sadly, her husband, Hal (Alec Baldwin) was involved in fraudulent transactions, and they lost everything. Her story is told with the film jumping backwards and forward, once she arrives destitute at her sister’s. Sally Hawkins also delivers an excellent performance as Jasmine’s sister, Ginger. Despite circumstances, Ginger nevertheless remained positive as she tries to hold everything – and everyone – together.

Still longing for what she is accustomed to, Jasmine continues to spend money even though she is broke, and still filled with so much pretense. It was interesting to watch Jasmine “losing it”, lowering herself from a high flying lifestyle to an ordinary existence.

From a comedic start, the film became more dramatic as it progressed, although the humor never entirely dissipated. There’s a lot going on in the movie and you have to keep track with the time lines so you don’t get confused. It is a good film with a good script.

‘Blue Jasmine’ received 137 award nominations, winning 57, including the Best Actress award for Cate Blanchett. At the box office, the film earned $99 million on an $18 million budget.

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.