“Blue Jasmine”, a perfect “Stories of Everyday Madness”

“Blue Jasmine” written and directed by Woody Allen is in my view a perfect “Stories of Everyday Madness”.  Cate Blanchett literally chews up the screen as the “vapid and narcissistic socialite” who moves in with her financially strapped sister played spot-on by Sally Hawkins.  As one sister slips into genuine madness, the other one desperately defends her ordinary, unimpressive life.  The result is a frenetic and intense story about deeply flawed relationships that artfully delivers both human absurdity and tragic comedy at its best.  The Oscar bound performances of Blanchett and Hawkins are supported by an equally brilliant cast, which includes:  Alec Baldwin, Bobby Cannavale and Peter Sarsgaard.