From the first moments of the opening sequence, we enter Jasmine’s chatty and superficial self-focused world. Blanchett’s intelligently accomplished acting is enhanced by a gorgeous wardrobe and compelling dialogue. As usual, the non-intrusive soundtrack allows Allen’s characters to slowly creep under your skin, shifting your emotions from sympathy to understanding to recognition to pity and even laugh aloud humour.
Seemingly inspired by A Streetcar Named Desire, Allen’s 50s cinematic style beautifully echoes the emotional isolation of each character. Cluttered backgrounds in the close up shots of individuals reinforce the intended focus of their dislocation from each other and their environment. The closing sequence compellingly lingers as an echo of Shakespearean tragedy: we are the architects of our own demise.
Like Midnight in Paris, this film will not be diminished by the small screen. Even so, see Blue Jasmine on the big screen … at least once.