Guinevere (1999 film)

Guinevere is a 1999 American drama film directed by Audrey Wells and starring Stephen Rea and Sarah Polley. The film tells the story of Harper Sloane (Polley), a young woman from a dysfunctional family who is taken under the wing of an older, alcoholic photographer named Connie Fitzpatrick (Rea).

Harper, struggling with feelings of alienation and lacking direction, is befriended by Connie after he notices her during her graduation party. He sees potential in her artistic eye and offers to mentor her in photography. Their relationship evolves, becoming both professionally and personally intimate, as Connie introduces Harper to a world of art, literature, and experience.

However, the age gap and the power dynamic within their relationship create complexities. Connie's manipulative nature and his own personal demons begin to surface, leading Harper to question the nature of their bond and her own identity. The film explores themes of mentorship, artistic development, manipulation, sexual exploitation, and the search for self-discovery.

The film received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Polley and Rea's performances. It earned nominations for the Grand Jury Prize at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival and for Best Screenplay at the 2000 Independent Spirit Awards. Audrey Wells won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance for her screenplay. The film provides a nuanced portrayal of a complex relationship and the challenges faced by a young woman navigating adulthood.