BLUE JASMINE - FILM REVIEW

Release Date: 21^st September 2013

Age Certificate: 12A

Running Time: 98 mins

Director: Woody Allen

Writer: Woody Allen

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard

The annual event of a Woody Allen film is here again; this instalment into his growing collection of 45+ films is called Blue Jasmine. First, let me start off by saying, I went to the cinema to watch this. I was the youngest there by about 60 years. It seemed to be the old peoples’ weekend evening out; you thought they would like to enjoy themselves, but no, all they do is moan and gossip! Every time a trailer comes on there was a collective moan, if it’s not Casablanca or Woody Allen they have the mindset that they won’t like it. However, apart from this I managed to enjoy the film.

A New York socialite, deeply troubled and in denial, arrives is San Francisco to impose upon her sister. She looks a million, but isn’t bringing money, peace or love...

I love Woody Allen; I’ve seen around about half of his film, yes I know, I’m slacking. However, in his most recent films, Blue Jasmine has to be up there with Midnight in Paris and Match Point. The directing is superb as usual; there are no special mamby pamby effects, and no explosions. On the other hand, there is one piece of special effect (a plane flying) and perhaps he should best stick to dialogue. What I love about Allen is that it’s all about the story. 

The acting in Blue Jasmine also obviously contributes to the transfixing feel of the film. Cate Blanchett steals the show, you will have to watch the film to understand fully, but you feel every step she goes through. Alec Baldwin also plays his role well. Allen is going through a stage of Mr. Baldwin at the moment and it seems to be holding up. Sally Hawkins also takes her character and runs away with it.

This is another one of those films where you don’t worry how many minutes you’ve got left or make a drink half way through, you will be compelled every step of the way. And what did the two old codgers sitting behind me think? ‘I think all Woody Allen films are pathetic.’

9.0/10