<<< Back
Guinevere
He was her first love ... She was his last.
Deborah (Jean Smart) while delivering her "Awe" speech.
(L. to R.) Gina Gershon, Sarah Polley, and Jean Smart
Harper (Sarah Polley) with Connie (Stephen Rea)
Credits: Miramax Films
Guinevere
                                         Synopsis

     Guinevere is a story of a May-December romance, of age and of love, and the breaking of tradition. Harper Sloane (Polley), a 20 year old seems to have a bright future ahead of her. Like her parents and sister, she is expected to attend Harvard and become an attorney. That isn't quite what Harper wants though. When she meets a Bohemian photographer, Connie Fitzpatrick (Rea), at her sister's wedding, Harper immediately falls in love with him. There's just one problem... judging by age, Connie could very well be Harper's father. When her bitter mother, Deborah Sloane (Smart), drops by Connie's studio unexpectedly and finds Harper there, she takes advantage of the occasion. Deborah tells Connie her thoughts about their (Connie and Harper's) romance. She reflects her whole blood-thirsty speech on just one word, "Awe." Later, Harper finds out of the so many other "guineveres" that Connie has had. She befriends Billie (Gershon) who shows her the way, step by step.
"...I know exactly what she has that I don't. Awe. I mean, no real woman, no woman of experience, would look at you with awe in her eyes..."
                   - Jean Smart as Deborah Sloane in Guinevere
                                Fan Review    

     I thought that Guinevere was a very touching love story. Stephen Rea and Sarah Polley did wonderfully in bringing Harper and Connie's romance to life. Jean Smart was just great in this movie! I have read elsewhere that she should have received, at least, an Oscar nomination. However, that never came to be. Her "Awe" scene is incredible! It's definitely one of those "I'll just steal the movie for these next five minutes" type of scene. Deborah is the kind of character that you love to hate. I recommend this movie if you want to see the actor's at their best, although the ending is kind of a let down.  Rating: B
"You are obviously mistaking me for someone with potential."  - Sarah Polley as Harper Sloane in Guinevere
Fun Facts

- Audrey Wells wrote Guinevere (as well as directed it) and she also wrote another Jean Smart film, Disney's The Kid

- Jean Smart was nominated for 'Best Supporting Female Actress' at the Independent Film Awards for her portrayal of Deborah.

- Guinevere received 6 nominations, of various categories, and won 2 awards.

- Guinevere premiered on September 24, 1999 in USA.

- It was filmed in LA and San Fransisco, CA.