For a generation, Woody Allen fans have awaited the return of the writer/director as he was at his best twenty-something years ago. But at long last it’s here; full of complex characters, smartly constructed relationships and a fine balance of comedy and tragedy, this film proves that at 77, Allen still has something to say.
It’s fitting that this is a comeback for Allen, as revival – or at times lack of – is a central theme of the film, with Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) focused purely on trying to recapture her lost fortunes. A troubled former New York socialite who loses everything when her wealthy husband is jailed for fraud, Jasmine is forced to move in with her estranged sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins) in a pokey San Francisco apartment as she attempts to rebuild her life from rock bottom.
As with most Allen films, there’s a strong ensemble cast. Blanchett gives a truly outstanding performance, displaying a roller coaster of emotions that has the mesmerised audience laughing and crying in turns. Hawkins captures a wonderfully endearing naivety, while Bobby Cannavale is charmingly innocent as heart-on-sleeve-wearing Chili.
There’s a carefully considered amount of detail here and the use of flashback is cleverly employed, switching between past and present; juxtaposing scenes of privilege and poverty make Jasmine’s demise even more tragic, while the rich yellow hue used in every frame by cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe constantly reminds us of the gold that used to adorn Jasmine’s life. But perhaps what makes this film so profound is its similarities to Tennessee Williams‘ literary classic A Streetcar Named Desire. While Allen denies any intentional reinvention, it’s impossible to ignore the very clear parallels, especially between the two tragic protagonists.
Watching Blue Jasmine is like stepping into a time machine and seeing some of Allen’s great films such as Manhattan and Crimes and Misdemeanours for the first time again; it really is that impressive. After twenty years, this is finally the real comeback fans have been waiting for.