Blue Jasmine is probably Woody Allen's most daring recent film. Everything is unhinged, and Jasmine experiences a level of cruelty never seen in Allen's entire filmography. Despite the glamorous high-end designer pieces showcased in the film, it's surprisingly grounded in reality. Jasmine literally falls from glory, and we witness as she excruciatingly attempts to rebuild her life. After losing all the wealth and power, she brazenly flies first-class, to San Francisco to live with her sister who can barely make ends meet.
Jasmine is ignorant to just how dire her situation really is. Her character is painfully dismantled as she comes to terms with the fact that she could never go back to how things were. It's truly a humbling experience for her as she settles in with her sister, with whom she has nothing in common with. Their different world view drives them apart, which pushes Jasmine to the brink of insanity.
Most of Allen's films are rooted in wealth, but this film stands out as he takes himself out of his comfort zone and into a chaotic world of the American working class. For the first time, Allen tackles real-life issues like wealth inequality, white privilege, and pop culture. This shifting of worlds proves to be an impossible journey for Jasmine, who can no longer deal with everything. In the end, she has completely lost her mind, proving once again that despite Allen's efforts to venture into new territories, he can't help but be accustomed to the traditional way of things, unable to adapt to the ever-changing society.
Jasmine's glamorous life provided her a safe haven that shielded her delusions and addictions from the outside world. Since she has lost that privilege, she naturally spirals into utter madness. She is left completely vulnerable and fear consumes her. Despite the mental roller-coaster that Allen takes Jasmine through, it cannot be overlooked that the ending defeats the purpose of her experience. She is just as clueless as she was when the film began, making the film extremely sad and hopeless.
