THE PLOT THUS FAR
Cate Blanchett stars as a former New York socialite teetering between her troubled past and a fresh start in San Francisco.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Blue Jasmine” is Woody Allen channeling his best John Cassavetes. Allen’s use of juxtaposition shows a playfulness with chronology that I have never seen from the auteur before this film. The director understands what it means for the upper crust to begin their downward descent. Watching as Allen kicks away his titular character’s crutches, we see how humility fails in the face of desperation. But, are we watching this film just to watch someone collapse?
Cate Blanchett has a cinematic breakdown on par with Gena Rowlands. Strength and vulnerability go hand-in-hand. What Blanchett does here is to pour herself into the material to the point that the line between reality and performance blurs. Blanchett deserves the Oscar this year and I’m sure she’ll get nominated. However, what’s going on here goes beyond Award recognition. Allen and Blanchett have both discovered something that is increasingly relevant in modern American society.
The film and Blanchett’s performance are based in the lies that we tell ourselves. The comparisons to “A Streetcar Named Desire” are apt. That being said, what does it mean if our examinations of strained women haven’t changed much in 60 years? Who failed Jasmine? Did Jasmine fail herself? These question keep circling through my mind, as I keep watching the film hoping to find an answer. Maybe, I never will be satisfied. I’m starting to appreciate what Allen is doing now as a director compared to his supposed Golden Era. This work is far more fascinating.
The DVD comes with a Digital Copy, notes from the press conference and the cast’s press conference. The A/V Quality is sharp enough for standard definition. I was surprised that the back channel got a workout on the Dolby 5.1 track. It was totally not what I expected from a Woody Allen movie. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: 01/21/2014