Films > DVD Reviews

Blue Jasmine // Review

13/02/14

Woody Allen, eh? I must confess that I’m not exactly a connoisseur of his work. I’ve always found his films to be a little indulgent, a little forced, and while I’m as interested in the neuroses of intellectual New York Jews as anyone, I’ve never completely bought into his shtick. Suffice to say, I wasn’t looking forward to this particular BJ.

Well, I am an idiot. Anyone that can make a film this damn good at this stage of their career deserves every accolade they ever garnered. I honestly can’t find any fault with it at all. The bittersweet story of Cate Blanchett’s wealthy socialite falling on hard times and coming to rely on the kindness of her “lower-class” sibling is brilliantly – and innovatively – told.  Much of it is recounted in flashback, but the non-linearity is never jarring or unnatural. The story and characters unfold and deepen with every scene and it all seems effortless.

Of course, this is not just down to the expert scripting and editing, but the flawless cast. Supporting performances from Alec Baldwin, Bobby Cannavale, Louis CK (to my mind, Woody’s spiritual successor) and our own Sally Hawkins are a joy to watch, but this is Blanchett’s house. If her beautifully balanced tragicomic performance doesn’t win the best actress Oscar at next month’s ceremony I’ll eat a big bag of dicks. Probably.

With Blue Jasmine Woody Allen has made the best Woody Allen film I’ve seen. I’m a fan. I might even give ‘Annie Hall’ another look.