![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1exHfM2VOxAK_UmSLPmaTj3TCAFBWfuJXNQIwTwLdGa1TT4jPxoVZa3r2Uvn-AoaZryEwLcYL6dUMQGIkmQEhsFtTxJsYhwHRc10aBsN_zgZI2VnAgWhQwlrnUQ9Qp9fu5jtVNCO8aA/s1600/Theatre.jpg)
It was a coin-toss
between this and Diana last night at
the movies but, as more and more bad reviews come out for the latter, I feel we
made the right choice.
Cate Blanchett plays
the title character, Jasmine Francis, a “New York, Park Avenue” gal, who gave
up a chance at a career to have a life with the man of her dreams (and of many
others’…), Hal (Alec Baldwin). Hal has everything; houses, watches, cars, money
– that is, money he’s stolen from other people. When he’s arrested, Jasmine’s
world collapses and she is forced to move in with her not so high-flying
adopted sister, Ginger (Sally Hawkins) in San Fransisco.
Blue Jasmine is a little about love and a lot about life, how you live it, and how
you cope when it’s taken away from you. Similarities to Tennessee William’s A Street Car Named Desire have been
pointed out by some of the world’s best critics in the world – including my mum
;)
I hear Cate Blancett
is up for an Oscar for this role but, to be honest, they might as well save
everyone the trouble of getting dressed up and just give her all the awards
now. I thought she was great before, but wow. She is exceptional, constantly
treading the fine line between chic and psycho. Elizabeth, Galadriel, and now
Jasmine Francis. She really can do anything.
As with every movie
she’s been in, Sally Hawkins was just so loveable, and the two “sisters” has
such a great on-screen connection. I’m sure the role of adopted siblings isn’t
that easy to portray, but they do it perfectly.
In fact, everyone was
hit with the Woody Allen perfect-casting wand, even the smaller parts. Despite
the plot revolving around him, Alec Baldwin only exists in the movie’s
flashbacks, but when he’s on, he’s – well, Alec Baldwin! - sophisticated and
sly as always, and a little sleazy too.
Woody Allen has this
wonderful way of making every character stereotypical and familiar but unique
and fascinating all at the same time. You laugh and cry with them, and they
stay with you long after the credits have finished rolling. Actually, I’m still
thinking about them all this afternoon…
If you see one movie in the next few weeks, make it Blue Jasmine.
No comments:
Post a Comment