This is my first and probably last attempt at writing a movie review. I have frequently read movie reviews in the New York Times, and they tend to be so esoteric I’m not sure after reading them whether I should see the film or not.
This review will not be at all ambiguous. If you haven’t seen Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine,” drop everything and see it now!
This film is simply a masterpiece, and Cate Blanchett’s performance is not just Oscar deserving, it is one of the most moving performances I have ever seen either on stage or screen.
I could tell you the film is a modern retelling of Tennessee Williams’ “Streetcar Named Desire,” with a little Ruth Madoff thrown in, but that’s like saying Van Gogh painted colorful flowers. Sally Hawkins, Alec Baldwin, Louie C.K., Andrew Dice Clay, and Bobby Cannavale all perform well, but this film is really elevated by Woody Allen’s writing and Cate Blanchett’s acting.
I have seen most of Woody Allen’s films, and although I enjoyed most of them, none of them moved me the way this one did. His writing is perfect. There is not a false note uttered. The shifting from one time to another is seamless. Even though Allen is a comic genius, this film is a tragedy. How somebody 77 years old can be this creative is truly remarkable. Try to think of entertainers who are performing at this level in their late 70’s. There aren’t many. He deserves an Oscar for writing this exceptional screenplay.
But this film belongs primarily to Cate Blanchett more than to anybody else. Her performance is riveting. Even though I lost money to Bernie Madoff, the ultimate con artist of our day, Cate’s portrayal had me feeling empathy for Madoff’s wife Ruth, and that is no easy accomplishment.
So, if you want to see acting at its finest for 98 minutes, get to a theater and bring a few tissues with you.
