Blue Jasmine

Rating: 4/5

So this is my first Woody Allen movie, so as far as comparisons go, I can't make any based on past work. However, I do feel that I picked a good one for my first Woody Allen experience.

Blue Jasmine is told throughout a combination of flashbacks and current struggles of Jasmine, played by Cate Blanchett. Jasmine was once a budding socialite from New York, but when an incredibly unexpected turn of events drastically changes her life, she is forced to move to San Francisco and live off of her adoptive sister.

What could sound like a somewhat mundane plot is brought to life by the impeccable performance given by Cate Blanchett. She won an Academy Award for this role, and deservedly so. Her portrayal of Jasmine is one that can't be missed.

Throughout the film we see two different sides of Jasmine. There's the seemingly happy and posh Jasmine of the New York flashbacks, and the confused, substance abusing, and tragic Jasmine that takes the viewer through the present day of the movie.

There are many strong supporting roles in the movie, especially the role of Jasmine's adoptive sister Ginger played by Sally Hawkins. She does a great job of carrying her scenes, but is slightly overshadowed by Blanchett's role, as I found myself mostly waiting for scenes involving Jasmine due to the fact that I found them the most fascinating to watch.

Overall, I really enjoyed Blue Jasmine. Mainly for the performance I've written so much about, but also for its' brilliant job of blending flashbacks with present day, and not being overly obvious about it.

2014 Best Actress Winner-Cate Blanchett