Woody Allen has directed numerous hit movies such as A Rainy Day in New York, Wonder Wheel, and Irrational Man. Blue Jasmine, a film that he wrote, is among the most successful, and the storyline was inspired by something that his wife told him about a wealthy woman who had to start working after losing all of her wealth. In Blue Jasmine, the main character has to find work to pay off all of the debts brought about by her husband. She tried to take the easiest routes, such as marrying wealthy, but nothing seems to work for her. Allen made sure to imply that Jasmine's lack of hope and determination to succeed in life led to her continued state of turmoil.
Blue Jasmine was the first time that Cate Blanchett had worked with Woody Allen, and Allen attempted to mold the movie around how he felt she could best suit the role of Jasmine. Allen would correct mistakes and change parts of the movie's plot when he felt appropriate.
To make sure that Blue Jasmine told the story of a woman who was lost in life and got stuck at every turn, Allen worked studiously with his casting director, Juliet Taylor, to find the right actors for specific roles. He chose Sally Hawkins, whom he had worked with once before, and one of his favorite cast picks, Alec Baldwin, to fill the role of Hal.
Allen is known for having a low film budget, but this had a negligible effect on the film. By ensuring excellent camera work and acting, Allen's plot was able to do without expensive props in Blue Jasmine.
