Blue Jasmine *****

Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) is blue because her financier husband (Alec Baldwin in flashbacks) has turned out to be a swindler and her money and position as a New York socialite is gone. She arrives in San Francisco to stay with the sister she never had time for, looking and sounding grand and with a vague idea of starting over somehow. Clearly disgusted with her sister's apartment and boyfriend, she tries to find a connection to the taste and class she once had mastered. And master it she did, as we know from many key scenes from her past life.

The portrait of the troubled woman that emerges is I think the most textured, the most complete of Woody Allen's recent films, and his best since "Match Point" (2005). Jasmine's struggles with her station, her denial, her torment, her charm and ease at the highest levels of society, are all on view in Blanchett's incredible performance. I dare say Allen has crafted yet another Academy level part, the latest in a long line.

As usual in a Woody Allen movie, the minor parts roles true, and the actors lucky enough to get the call are uniformly very, very good. I was particularly impressed with Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard as the new suitor, Sally Hawkins as the imposed-upon sister, Bobby Cannavale as the sister's boyfriend, and pleasantly surprised by Andrew Dice Clay as the sister's ex-husband. But clearly Blancette is the one to watch for in award season.