It was generally agreed, by the members of SLR Friends of
the Hyland, that “Blue Jasmine” deserves a rating of 4 to 5 (out of 5) for
acting, directing, photography, and music. Cate Blanchett does a wonderful job
(some mentioned an academy winning performance) of portraying an emotionally
unstable woman who is dealing with a crisis in her life. She is floundering, and
she finds herself in a vulnerable position in life –one of her own making.
We learn Jasmine was raised as a favorite child. The preferential
treatment she received early in life engendering in her the notion she is
entitled to the “good things in life”. She feels she should not have to work at
anything “menial”, but rather, she sees herself in the role of the pampered, wealthy
socialite.
Jasmine’s personality and behavior is the catalyst for
creating her present situation. When rejected by her husband, she destroys her
husband by notifying the FBI about his shady financial dealings. As a result of
her actions, she destroys the privileged life of her son as well. With his father
disgraced and jailed, the son leaves Harvard and cuts off all ties with his
mother. Jasmine next moves into her sister’s home and proceeds to dismantle her
sisters’ life. Jasmine disapproves of her sister’s boyfriend, her home, and her
lifestyle. As a result of Jasmine’s influence, Ginger risks losing the man she loves.
Jasmine was responsible for destroying Ginger’s previous marriage. Now, her scorn
and advice threaten to destroy her sisters’ present chance for happiness.
Jasmine is the quintessential “toxic” personality. And in
the end, she’s rejected by everyone -- her husband (who rejects her, then kills
himself), her son, her sister, and her fiancé. Jasmine has no self awareness.
She has one goal—to be on the arm of a wealthy, powerful and influential man –
and she is willing to do anything to achieve the goal. And because of her
approach to life we see her cycling down into psychosis.
One senses Jasmine will never progress emotionally. She will
never move forward to understand a better way of living. At the end of the
film, she is alone on a bench, talking to herself. We learn this is how she was
at the end of her marriage. And we sense it is only a matter of time before the
“men in white coats” come to take her away.
Some SLR members expressed disappointment about the ending
of the film. Suggesting it would have been nice to see Jasmine move towards a
healthier lifestyle—see her finish her education, get a stable, satisfying job,
and so on. However, the film portrays a situation which may be more true to
life than would a “happy ending”. Aren’t many of us like Jasmine? How often do we take
a long hard look at our behavior and attitudes, and make changes necessary to
bring about our own happiness?
Joanne
