Woody Allen's latest film sees wealthy socialite Jasmine Francis (Cate Blanchett) being forced to move in with her sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins) after her husband (Alec Baldwin) is exposed as a criminal and she loses everything. Blanchett absolutely steals the show as a woman in mid-flail who never needed to figure out what she wanted to be, until now. Unemployed and husbandless, she just wants a 'substantial' job and a 'substantial' man. As insufferable as Jasmine can be, watching her try to maintain composure while the cracks are so evidently widening causes you to feel for her – a testament to Blanchett's acting. Flashbacks seamlessly edited into the film highlight the contrast between Jasmine's previously 'perfect' life, its unravelling and her less than ideal current situation. This is done cleverly, treated as Jasmine's own triggered flashbacks, as when we jump back to present day we can see Jasmine traumatised by her memories. There are some amusing appearances by Louis C.K. and Peter Sarsgaard, but the dynamic between Jasmine and Ginger is the most captivating relationship; Ginger constantly wants approval from her sister, who is vocal about what she thinks of Ginger's grocery store job, living conditions and 'loser' boyfriends. Hawkins wonderfully portrays a perfectly capable woman who feels incompetent around her sister, even though she's the one with her life on track in comparison. We have an abundance of films exploring the failures, uncertainties and existential/identity crises of 20-somethings, so it's interesting to see it from the perspective of a middle-aged woman. While on the whole Blue Jasmine has some shortcomings – a weak ending and awkward pacing at times – it is carried by fully-formed, layered protagonists and is ultimately a fascinating character study.
In cinemas Thursday 12 September.
