Watch Guest Artist

Guest Artist is a drama film from 2019 that stars Jeff Daniels as Joseph Harris, a renowned playwright who is invited to spend the weekend in the rural town of Big Rapids, Michigan, by a young aspiring writer named Kenneth Waters (Thomas Macias). The movie is directed by Timothy Busfield, and it features a supporting cast that includes Richard McWilliams, McKara Bechler, and Erika Slezak.

The storyline revolves around the meeting of Joseph and Kenneth, who have very different perspectives on life and the world of theatre. Joseph is a seasoned artist, who has achieved great success in his career but has become jaded and disillusioned with the industry, while Kenneth is full of hope and enthusiasm for his craft. The two men clash over their differing opinions, but as they spend more time together, they begin to learn from each other and understand each other's point of view.

The movie starts with Joseph arriving in Big Rapids, where he is greeted by Kenneth, who is very excited to meet him. As they drive to Kenneth's house, they engage in a conversation that sets the tone for their relationship throughout the rest of the film. Joseph is dismissive of Kenneth, telling him that he does not have what it takes to make it as a playwright, while Kenneth is determined to prove him wrong.

As the weekend progresses, Joseph and Kenneth continue to butt heads as they discuss everything from the nature of art to the role of the artist in society. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to see each other in a new light. Joseph starts to recognize the passion and dedication that Kenneth has for his work, while Kenneth learns about the struggles and sacrifices that Joseph has made in his career.

The movie is a nuanced exploration of the creative process and the struggles that artists face in pursuing their dreams. Joseph's character is especially interesting in this regard, as he represents the archetype of the tortured artist who has seen it all and is struggling to find meaning in his work. In contrast, Kenneth is still full of hope and dreams, and he represents the next generation of artists who are just starting out and are eager to make their mark.

The film is also notable for its strong performances, especially from Jeff Daniels, who gives a powerful and nuanced portrayal of a man who is simultaneously bitter and vulnerable. Thomas Macias is also excellent as the young playwright who is determined to learn from the master, and Richard McWilliams provides some much-needed comic relief as Kenneth's fussy and overprotective father.

Overall, Guest Artist is a thoughtful and engaging drama that explores the nature of creativity and the challenges that artists face in pursuing their dreams. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world, and it is sure to inspire viewers to continue to pursue their passions, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

Guest Artist is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.