Guinevere (R)

synopsis

Guinevere is a moving portrait of a young woman on the brink of adulthood, and an affirmation of the way one person can change your destiny by teaching you to accept humanity with all its glorious flaws. Harper Sloane's life is mapped out for her. She comes from a family of San Francisco lawyers and is set to start Harvard Law School in the fall. Never mind that Harper is not so sure she wants to go; her mother is sure enough for both of them. At her older sister's wedding, she meets the hired photographer, Cornelius Fitzpatrick, or "Connie" as he is called in his circle of bohemian friends. Though thirty years her senior, Connie takes an interest in the young Harper, nicknaming her Guinevere. This attention overwhelms her, causing her to veer down a path that will change her life forever. Audrey Wells is an established screenwriter so the writing in Guinevere is superb, but so is the direction. She culls from her actors lush and fully realized performances. Stephen Rea is astute and complex, one minute the nagging mentor, the next a passionate lover, a perfect foil for Jean Smart, who is sharp as a tack as the controlling mother, full of chagrin. As Harper, Sarah Polley brings genuine star quality to her acting. Her emotions flicker subtly across her face, reflecting every changing experience. Addressing adult themes rarely explored in films today, Guinevere is the perfect example of an original voice, clear and resonant.