MovieChat Forums > Guinevere (1999) Discussion > Superb performance from Jean Smart.

Superb performance from Jean Smart.

posted 17 years ago by Joshf84
12 replies | jump to latest

I enjoyed the film for the most part but was completely blown away by Jean Smart's fantastic performance. Smart has long been one of my favorite female actors and always gives memorable and underrated performances but this one was particularily exellent. I am a bit surprised she was not nominated for any higher awards than a Independant Spirit Award. As far as I am concerned Jean Smart made this film great and I can't imagine what the film would have been like without her.

[–] ochamar 16 years ago

I have an original DVD copy of this film only because of Jean Smart.She is so amazing. Great Actress. I agree with you Josh :)

[–] lee-759 16 years ago

Agreed. Her subtle but devastating verbal take-down of Connie--and by extension, Harper--in the loft was the best part of the movie. When she walked out the door, I wanted to yell for her to come back.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] AnCatDubh 16 years ago

in bed

sorry :)

[–] krazyj2472002 16 years ago

LOL

[–] Reverend_Dr_Syn 16 years ago

I didnt find her character to be particularly likeable. She was a complete and utter bitch. She's so bitter, hateful and miserable that she feels she was to denigrate others to feel better about herself. It's clear she doesn't get sex from her husband anymore so she has to ruin the fun for everyone else. If Connie was Harper's age I think she'd STILL find some way to verbally attack him.

I just dont see what the Hell her problem is. Seems to be some form of narcissist. Why her husband hadnt divorced her is beyond me. I was hoping the character would get run over by a car.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] Reverend_Dr_Syn 15 years ago

The thing about Jean's character wasn't just that she put others down in a vicious and brutal manner. It was that she took a distinct, visible measure of JOY in tearing people down. Look at delight she took in the "Sterling character" remark she gave her husband.

I think she knows deep down she wouldn't stand the remotest chance of Connie finding her attractive. And she probably resents that a mere "peon" wouldnt want her, especially one close to her own age. Thus the need to save face, if only to herself. Like the old fable about the Fox and the Grapes.

She's simply a vain, shallow, petty woman who cant handle the fact she isnt young and desirable anymore. Not saying Connie is any sort of a Saint by any means. But Jean's character possesses no moral higher ground on him.

[–] milesaugust 12 years ago

My issue with the big, putdown, "awe" scene, was that Connie wasn't allowed to respond. Like Something's Gotta Give, a woman questions a man attraction to younger women and Jack Nicholson isn't allowed to respond honestly. It took Mike Binder's The Upside of Anger to finally have a proper, honest male response when Joan Allen asks the same question, his answer essentially being, hey, you older women are bitter and no fun, where younger girls enjoy life more and appreciate simple things.

[–] lioninoil 14 years ago

Joshf84 is on-the-mark about Jean Smart, her performance throughout the movie is masterful. For those whose panties are in a bunch over the scene with Stephen Rea, just try to remember IT'S A MOVIE, and THESE ARE ACTORS. If you hated her character, then JEAN SMART HAS DONE HER JOB WELL. The caps are to help you notice, because you haven't shown any acuity so far.

"You're innocent when you dream" -- Tom Waits, "You Dream"

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] scarcasticla 14 years ago

Dead on. Jean Smart, the least interesting written character on career-defining "Designing Women" has turned out to be one of Hollywood's strongest, most impressive actresses. Underrated in spades.