Review of Dolores Claiborne (1995) by Chris T — 22 May 2009

It is rare that a movie manages to be as good as the novel from which it was adapted, as books generally have deeper plots and characters from the movie that finally emerges but Dolares Claiborne is an almost perfect movie. The story by Stephen King is excellent, the acting is outstanding, and the scenery is just beautiful. I was totally engrossed in the storyline and the depths of all the characters. Dolores is married to a stupid, drunken loaf of a man (David Straithern) who dies under "mysterious" circumstances. Now she is accused of killing her employer.

The movie switches between the present and the past as the layers of each character's story and motivations unfold, showing a deeper side to Dolores and enabling Jennifer Jason Leigh (the daughter) to finally grow up and see her mother for the resilient woman she is: a woman who will do anything to protect her child. It is wonderfully written, brilliantly acted, and you will not be able to keep yourself from cheering Dolores on, as she watches her husband fall down that pit.

Judy Parfitt is Vera Donovan, Dolores' rich employer who teaches her that "sometimes being a bitch is the only thing a woman has". She explains to Dolores how "husbands die every day" after she finds out about Dolores' home life and it is terrifying how convinced she is on the subject. She is astounding. Her performances as both rich/cold matron with a soft spot to stroke victim years later is compelling to watch.

Dolores's daughter, Jennifer comes across as an uncaring, bitter and selfish girl, but as the story unfolds, again we learn why and understand. The last ten minutes, when Jennifer is at her best, beats many of the great court room dramas that I have seen lately. This is one of the best Stephen King movies there is!