Boasting an acrid, career-best star
turn from Cate Blanchett, Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine is
perfect late summer counter-programming for the discerning film goer;
a cynically witted character study that proposes it's not the
tragedies and crises (be they self-imposed or fateful) that define
our lives, but our ability to put the past behind us and move on.
Jasmine (Blanchett) used to thrive on
the vain luxury of her Manhattan high life. Constantly indulged by
her wealthy businessman husband (Alec Baldwin), she blissfully turned
a blind eye to his crooked dealings and extramarital affairs. We are
reminded of this part of her life via frequent flashbacks, but
presently, all the extravagant dining and dancing and diamonds and
drinks have completely vanished from Jasmine's world. Well, except
for the drinks.
