Blue Jasmine (2013)

The good: In this refreshingly character-driven story, Cate Blanchett gives such a raw, convincing performance that she disappears entirely into her deeply troubled character, Jasmine.The premise is intriguing, and the story has a haunting quality that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.The bad: The hallmark of any film where nuanced characters take center stage is making the audience feel sympathy for even the most unsympathetic people. Unfortunately, this film missed the mark and I wasn't remotely invested in Jasmine's slow decent into madness. It was horrifying to watch the character unravel, but when all is said and done, Woody Allen missed an opportunity to help us really understand the complex narcissist portrayed by Blanchett.The bottom line: If you're looking for an outstanding character-driven film with some levity, you'll be better off exploring other options. I should also add I'm not sure this film qualifies as a "dark comedy." To call any form of mental illness "funny" diminishes the severity of life-altering conditions that are anything but humorous.

I have recently lost interest in Woody Allen movies. I just got worn down by too many not-so-hot movies. So my plan was to put "Blue Jasmine" on and fast forward to the Dice Clay parts. But as soon as the movie began I couldn't bring myself to miss any of it. Wow. I sucked me in like few movies ever have. The normally annoying Cate Blanchett delivers a performance of a lifetime. The rest of the cast is outstanding. Even the always detestable Louis C.K. was good. It's a terrific movie.

I watched this on the DVR at home, and while it has its moments, I just wasn't invested. Cate Blanchett was quite good, as were many of the other cast performances. But I'm just completely over stories of rich neurotic New Yorkers, which makes me a poor candidate for any Woody Allen movie. I also think the ending was a bit forced. Not a waste of time, but not one that'll stick in my mind, either.

Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) is one troubled woman. After finding the high life with rich, rich investment guru hubby Hal (Alec Baldwin), things fell apart. Hal was the twin of Bernie Madoff, lost his client's monies, and is now in prison. Maybe its a good thing, for he was a serial cheater on Jasmine as well. Now, with very few options, Jasmine goes to San Francisco to stay indefinitely with her warm but ditzy sister, Ginger (Sally Hawkins). On arrival, Ginger welcomes Jasmine but is aghast when Jazz confides that she hid away some jewels and traveled first class. This makes sis ponder, what did Jasmine know about her husband's scheming? When they were girls, Jasmine was Jeanette until she "re-invented" herself as a Manhattan socialite who had little or no time for Ginger. Also, long ago, Ginger and her former husband, Augie (Andrew Dice Clay) won the lotto but lost everything when Hal convinced them to invest in his company. So, tensions are severe. A grocery clerk, Ginger has two sons and a loving but uncouth boyfriend, Chili (Bobby Cannavale). Naturally, Jasmine advises her to dump this man and look elsewhere. Without a job or a means to get back on her feet, Jasmine tries to earn an online interior decorator's license. When she fails, Jazz reluctantly gets a job as a dentist's receptionist. But, one fateful night, Jasmine gets invited to a society event, drags along Ginger, and spies relief. A handsome man and wealthy man, Dwight (Peter Sarsgaard) casts his eye on beautiful Jasmine and she immediately plots to marry him. But, can she get a ring on her finger before he finds out who she is? This excellent movie, torn from the headlines of the Madoff scandal, is a serious turn by Woody. It recalls his stellar film Cries and Misdemeanors, with a touch of humor amid the somber chaos. Blanchett excels as the conniving diva who swears she didn't know what her ex-husband was doing and finds middle class life unbearable. Hawkins, Baldwin, Cannavale, Clay, Sarsgaard, and all of the others are terrific, too. Cheers, also, for the great scenery, costumes, and polished direction. More importantly, the script is tantalizing as it asks the viewer to ponder what is the worth of a man or woman; is it wealth or is it a loving heart? Even this question is nuanced in fifty shades. All Woody fans MUST catch it and most of the rest of the planet should watch it, too.