Blue Jasmine (2013)

I've often said that a simple story can work when done well.  Plots don't get much simpler than Blue Jasmine, the latest from Woody Allen.  After her life falls apart, Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) moves in with her adopted sister in San Francisco while she tries to pull it back together.  It's not really any more complex than that.  Blue Jasmine is character study at best.

Don't get me wrong, the story's not quite that thin.  Through various flashbacks, we learn that Jasmine was married to a wealthy businessman, Hal (Alec Baldwin), in New York.  Unfortunately, his shady business deals caught up with him and they lost everything.  He was also having a series of affairs, and you see there was a part of Jasmine that was willingly ignorant about these things.  Why rock the boat, right?  Isn't there a saying about bliss and ignorance?  They taste good cold or on toast or something like that?  With her world crashing down around her, Jasmine has a nervous breakdown.  Now she's prone to talking to herself, or anyone that will listen to her prattle on about how great her life was/is.  On various medications and never without a vodka martini, there are moments where she looks truly disheveled.

Also through these flashbacks you see that Jasmine doesn't have much of a relationship with her sister, Ginger (Sally Hawkins), and her ex-husband (Andrew Dice Clay) is quick to point out that Jasmine wanted nothing to do with her when she had everything.  If you're going to do flashbacks, this is how you do it.  You're never confused about what part of Jasmine's life you're watching or where they are.  The various establishing shots, changes in lighting, subtle dialog queues, and even Jasmine's appearance make this clear without every being explicitly told.  No "six months ago" needs to be displayed on the screen.

Jasmine tries getting a job and going back to school, but her adjustment has been anything but smooth.  She doesn't get along with Ginger's new fiance, Chili (Bobby Cannavale), either, and her moving in has caused a strain on her sister's relationship.  Things finally start to look up when Jasmine meets Dwight (Peter Sarsgaard), a wealthy diplomat who has his sights set on political office.  Even Ginger takes on a lover (Louis C.K.) as Jasmine pushes her to to do better than someone like Chili.

In a lot of ways Blue Jasmine reminded me of Young Adult.  Both feature an unlikeable sociopath as its main character.  They're full of crap, medicated and completely self absorbed in their own fantasy world.  Hell, "Jasmine" isn't even her original name, but changed it because she liked the way it sounded.  What are you, some kind of diva?  Despite that you don't have much of a reason to like Jasmine, and she doesn't show much in the way of growth, you still find a sliver of sympathy for them.  Bad things happen to her, some deserved and some undeserved.  Whether or not you think Jasmine was a willing accomplice, or could have done something about some of these events, it's still a lot for one person to deal with in a short period of time.  When things start to improve for Jasmine, I actually wanted it all to work out for her even though I couldn't condone her methods.

Also like Young Adult, it's carried by a great performance that keeps you interested in the journey.  Watching a film about a broken person isn't always a picnic, but when it features such a strong lead performance, you can't help but find it interesting.  Cate Blanchett was simply amazing!  She's so believable as a drunk that it wouldn't surprise me to learn that she drank or medicated herself while filming.  It's hard to fake that even if you have experience with it.  I still thought she managed to have a sexy quality about her, but that might just be cause I have a thing for Blanchett.  While this is one of Woody Allens strongest films in years, I don't know if it works as well without Blanchett.  I've heard a lot of Oscar buzz already around her performance, and I wouldn't be surprised at all see her win it this year.

It's not completely a one-woman show though.  The supporting performances are very good, too.  Perhaps the biggest surprise is Andrew Dice Clay, who's been showing lately that there's more to him than just his comedy act.  Alec Baldwin is as solid as he always is.  Another standout was Bobby Cannavale, who continues to be one of my favorite, lesser known actors.  I also felt sympathy for Ginger due to Sally Hawkins performance.  Peter Sarsgaard is good in his small role, along with Louis C.K., who plays slightly against type.

This is a much darker installment from Woody Allen's when compared to the lighter tones of something like Midnight in Paris or To Rome with Love.  That's not to say there aren't laughs to be had in Blue Jasmine, but don't go in expecting a laugh riot.  Much of the humor comes from uncomfortable situations or sometimes outright laughing at the characters, but I didn't think it was necessarily mean spirited.

Blue Jasmine is another great entry in Woody Allen's catalog.  While light on story, it's an interesting character study about a totally dysfunctional person, but still watchable because of a fantastic performance from Cate Blanchett.  I hope she has her dresses picked out, cause she's gonna be pretty busy at all the award shows.

4 (out of 5) Death Stars

Sleepwalk With Me (2012) - Movie Review

I've always been a fan of Mike Birbiglia since I first saw his stand up on Comedy Central, so when I heard he wrote, directed and starred in a semi-autobiographical tale of his life, I was interested in checking it out.

Mike plays Matt Pandamiglio - which I'm sure is a clear play on his name and how it was likely butchered by many MCs over the years - a struggling comic that's having trouble getting gigs and bartends at a comedy club.  His material is very rough and can only get an opportunity when someone cancels or doesn't show up to the club.  He has a supportive girlfriend (Lauren Ambrose) that he's been with for eight years and can't seem to take the next step with, but she's still being patient.

Matt also has a severe sleepwalking disorder.  This has some hilarious, and even dangerous outcomes.  He knows it's a problem and there's likely something deeper behind it.  Matt's encouraged to get help, but continues to cancel appointments, not even able to make a commitment to that.

It's only when he begins to talk about his life, insecurities and relationship on stage that he starts getting laughs and things look up for him.  He knows that talking about his relationship might have consequences with his girlfriend, but that's not a huge concern for him.  Matt starts hitting the road, still getting paid dirt, but excited that he's finally getting some work.

I liked this in the same way I like Louis C.K.'s Louie.  Don't get me wrong, it's not nearly as raw and uncomfortable as Louie.  It is an honest and real look at his life, and that vulnerability leads to genuine laughs, both on stage for him and for us watching the movie.  I've always found it fascinating to watch comedians develop their act and go from routinely bombing or only getting a few chuckles, to headlining or being on TV.  I've had the opportunity to see this a few times first hand and it really is an interesting experience.

I think it took a lot of guts for Mike to put himself out like this.  He knows he's not necessarily playing the most sympathetic or likable guy, and even jokingly reminds you during his narration that you're supposed to be on his side.  At times he comes off looking bad, but you never genuinely dislike him.  He's a guy that's still trying to figure out who he is and knows he has problems, but also has doubts and not quite sure what to do next.  Sound familiar?

There's also a great supporting cast.  Lauren Ambrose is great as Matt's girlfriend.  She's so supportive of him, and you sympathize more with her through most of the film.  James Rebhorn and Carol Kane are also great as Matt's parents, and his interaction with his family is great.  You even see a few comics pop up here and there like David Wain, Kristen Schall, Wyatt Cenac, and Marc Maron has a notable scene.

Mike co-directed this with Seth Barrish, who also co-wrote along with Ira Glass and Joe Birbiglia and all I can say is that it's a great team effort.  There'a a lot of talent here and it shows in the finished product.  I can't wait to see what's next for Mike Birbiglia.

Sleepwalk With Me is a fascinating look at a burgeoning comedian's life.  It's funny, honest and neurotic.  Mike Birbiglia carries the film and shows that he's a star on the rise.  If you're already familiar with him, then I think you'll really enjoy this, and if you aren't, you might find yourself becoming a fan.  The movie is in limited release, so most of you won't have a chance to see this until it hits the home markets, but I highly recommend checking it out.

4 (out of 5) Death Stars