Dolores Claiborne

One of my favorite films. All-star cast headed by Kathy Bates and Judy Parfitt.

Whenever anyone talks about Stephen King movie adaptations, the conversation always steers toward Misery because of its near-perfect convergence of story and acting. Told simultaneously through modern scenes and flashbacks, Dolores Claiborne is the perfection many accord to Misery.While Misery suffers from a typical King affliction of unrealistic characters, Dolores Claiborne has no such fault. This movie is an unheard of gem: a flawless Stephen King story (with no signature left turn into utter bizarreness) anchored by not one but five perfect performances.David Strathairn is cringe-inducingly on-point as the abusive alcoholic husband and father. Christopher Plummer gives his usual excellent performance as the retiring detective with a grudge. Judy Parfitt is unparalleled in portraying Vera Donovan, the much-hated cast iron grande dame of Little Tall Island who just manages to be likable.Of course, Kathy Bates is stellar in the titular role of the long-suffering pillar of strength accused of murder (for the second time in her life). But to my mind, Jennifer Jason Leigh steals this movie from its star. As Dolores' daughter, Selena St. George, Leigh impeccably portrays a bitter, caustic, overly-driven professional journalist haunted by a past so troubling, she can't even bring herself to remember it. Until she's forced to.Solid performances are also turned in by the relatively few supporting cast. John C. Reilly plays the fair-minded local boy turned constable, Frank Stamshaw. Bob Gunton portrays Mr. Pease, the local bank manager seen during a 1975 flashback who is a grating reminder of the sexism prevalent during the era. Rounding out the cast is Ellen Muth who does an inspiring job of playing the 13-year-old version of Selena during the flashbacks.Although tackling some very "problematic" material, Dolores Claiborne is a beautifully balanced story that has no trouble facing into the wind and walking full-steam ahead. The flashbacks are well handled, and director Taylor Hackford smartly sets both eras apart through the inspired use of lighting and filters. Constantly featuring tense exchanges and brutal subject matters, Dolores Claiborne paddles through some truly troubled waters without leaving the viewer exhausted for the experience.Both entertaining and bearing weighty significance, this movie will leave you feeling like you've sat through something actually worthy of your time.

Although Stephen King is known for supernatural horror, and that plays well in books, it doesn't always translate as well to film. However, he is equally fabulous at presenting characters dealing with horrible circumstances in normal life, and the movies based on his books/short stories are among my family's all time favorite movies (e.g. Stand by Me, Shawshank Redemption, Misery), and we also love Kathy Bates in nearly everything, so we picked this movie up years ago in a VHS bargain bin even though we'd never heard of it, and it turned out to be so good that we later upgraded to DVD, and we're upgrading again to blu ray with this purchase.

I have never been so dissapointed and angry, as I was, when Dolores Claiborne did'nt get an any Oscar in Academy Awards. If they understand anything of movie-direction or acting, there is so brilliant working together, that this movie had deserve all prizes for that. Stephen King`s psychology-drama tels story abouth Doleres- who has been charced for two murdere; many years ago her husband- and in the biginin of the movie an old lady to whom she does a made. Kathy Bates potrays a woman, wife and mother just a brilliant acting, that is breath taking; made her so alive deep character- that after few scene, all your symphaty is in her side. Jennife Jason Lee- who is one of the best actres, when you need a person for neurothig and mentaly ambivalense character- makes also just outstandin performance. Actors in supporting roles an old lady and Dolores husband are so brilliant too. Taylor Hacford has put this hard story on so beatufully scenes- specially balance of colours, present moments and past- that it makes this film on of the best drama ever. Blu-ray itself is also beatifull to watch; colours are rich and balance- picture is sharp. In hometheater's big screen Dolores Glaiborne shines as a diamond of rare real high level new days classic.

This movie should have gotten Oscars, but the subject matter is not pretty. Child sexual abuse and spousal homicide are not watchable for just anyone. Somewhat explicit, but well done. The Acting is way beyond the norm. Cathy Bates is incredible as the strong willed, tough wife. This may well be Jennifer Jason Leigh's best film. Her portrayal of the adult survivor of child sexual abuse is of a woman so broken that she's painful to watch. Christohper Plummer is the perfect antagonist, as the cold and mean police detective. David Strathairn gave backbone to the story with a laudable and believable abusive husband performance. And you will never forget Judy Parfitt's character. Her presence precipitates the main story line. Complex and involved, heartbreaking story. I still cry when I watch it. It has a good ending, though. The Script is perfection, based on the Stephen King novel. The story is mesmerizing. Useful for therapy, I would think. I wore out my VHS copy long ago and got this DVD to replace it. Very, very good movie.

Imperfect, brooding tale of a mother's love misinterpreted by a resentful daughter until the truth comes out. Great Stephen King adaptation with Kathy Bates, Chris Plummer and Jennifer Jason Leigh firing off the acting chops to carry off this spooky tale of murder and molestation. WAC's transfer is first rate. Prepare to be dazzled by detail you have never seen before. You are going to love this Blu-ray. It's that simple.

THANK YOU

Great movie I like Steven king he is a great movie writer, Bates is a house keeper for a wealthy couple from Baltimore ,the setting is in Maine, the beginning scene is the movie opener ,I don't want to spoil it for you, it goes back to the 70,s than back to present time, Jennifer Jason Lee is in her prime in this movie, it's a dark drama ,I've seen it a few times since it came out on vhs tape 1995 the music score is good,