Product ReviewsDolores Claiborne (DVD, 1995)

Stephen King's Delores Claiborne

For a King movie this was a little slow, which is in itself a bit hard for you because you are waiting for the typical King thrill, something bad, fast, hard or something. This was a slow ride, but it was an INTENSE ONE. Stephen King met Kathy Bates once and decided she was a 'King' girl for sure, and he made a good choice. She nailed this one down good and hard, much like 'Misery.' She was very compelling and powerful as the career housekeeper / hospice worker who maybe did, maybe didn't commit two murders in her life.

Jennifer Jason Leigh has done some things well in her career (The Hitcher was very good, as was Buried Alive) but this was her best work I think. She is the disturbed daughter who comes home to try to figure out what is going on when she finds out mom has once again become suspect in a murder. There are other wonderful supporting actors, but as someone else mentioned before, Kathy and Jen are just super heavy characters delivering a captivating performance.

If you are a King fan and you haven't seen this one, you need to.

Editor's rating = solid 8+Read full review...

Dolores Claiborne

One of Stephen King's best female characters. The translation to film is very good, won't disappoint fans of the book. Very strong performances by all three main female characters. A deep, passionate, sometimes devastating look at how far a mother will go to protect her childRead full review...

Good movie, good job!!

The very first time I saw this movie I was conflicted about who wrote it, I guess the writer has a larger scope other than horror. I really liked this movie and have added it to "My Favorites" list. I never get tired of viewing it.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: decluttr_store

Dolores claibourne

I love this movie! The lead up to the eclipse and then with the policeman later. My favorite line is... Sometimes, Dolores, being a high riding B!#÷" is all a woman has to hold on to... Kathy Bates is an awesome actress. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: lavishsheep

Dolores Claiborne 1998

What do you get when you combine the master storyteller, Stephen King, with arguably one of the most talented,versatile actresses of all time, Kathy Bates?
Dolores Claiborne, is probably one of my favorite book adaptations. Surprisingly enough, the other would also be Stephen Kings original story, the Shawshank Redemption.
Kathy Bates was an absolute genius in this role. Jennifer Jason Leigh performed exactly as I imagined the character from the book, just as surly and obnoxious and yet somehow, you wanted to comfort her. The cinematography was done all in blustery grays and somber tones, accented with occasional glimpses of the sun in flashbacks.
Christopher Plummer as the bull-dogging detective and David Strathairn as the love to hate Joe St. George, both bordered on being caricatures but managed to still be believable if not over the top, just a tad.
But its Ms. Bates delivery that turns this movie into an absolute gem. Her portrayal of Dolores will instantly remind you of your favorite crotchety grandma or aunt, the one who 'tells it like it is' with no BS. In my opinion she was robbed of an Oscar. Her Down East humor and spot on delivery are magnificent.
The story, if you haven't read the book, is the glimpse through real time and flashbacks of a small town murder investigation of the wealthiest resident, the only suspect being Dolores, her longtime live-in maid and verbal sparring partner. The detective investigating the crime is an old acquaintance, as he also investigated the accidental death of Dolores'husband, Joe. Her estranged daughter shows up, out of duty and nothing more, and the two move around each other uncomfortably until 2/3 through the movie when all of it starts to come out and Dolores realizes that her daughter, Selena has no recollection at all of her time and childhood on the island.
If anything, this is a movie about a mother's love. What would you sacrifice for your children? How far would you go?
Scary movie, absolutely not! Its not even close to a thriller, but a fantastically told and acted yarn letting you peer into the mind of an instantly interesting and at times lovable old soul...you betchya!Read full review...

A favourite movie of mine

Great actors and actresses. I have seen this movie several times before and enjoyed the story and the acting. I wanted to own my copy of it so now I do.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: canaseller

Kathy Bates in One of Her Finest Leading Dramatic Roles

Kathy Bates establishes herself as one of the finest character actors in a Stephen King melodrama of the late 20th century in this Taylor Hackford directed film about Dolores Claiborne (Bates); abused widow of a father molested daughter (Jennifer Jason Leigh).

Dolores (Bates) works as a do-it-all-housemaid for a socialite widow who, now elderly, dies after falling down the stairs. Claiborne is caught holding a heavy rolling pin over her body and accused of murdering her mistress since she surprisingly left all of her estate to Dolores, way unbeknownst to Dolores.

18 years prior, Claiborne's pedophile, wife abusing, alcoholic husband was found dead in their home's well. The molested daughter blamed Dolores for her dad's death. Christopher Plummer plays the detective who is after Dolores, in the past and in the present, who makes me detest him. Back when her husband was found dead, Plummer was suspicious of the new widow; this time, when the socialite widow dies he is going after Claiborne for murder for money.

Stephen King wrote the novel that travels back and forth from the past to the present. As usual, there is a twist in the end that King's story reveals through another brilliant performance by Bates. Bates and Leigh together are a mother-daughter match to compete with on the screen.Read full review...

Heavy duty suspense,,sorry it ended.

Visually crisp and clear film. A gripping story with such top actors.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: ciceros_34

A great movie - old but still good!

I saw this movie years ago and have always loved Kathy Bates.
It was nice to watch it again.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: valleys_books_a...

excellent film

Twists and turns keep you engaged throughout the movie; the actors chosen were perfect for these characters. Although the story is somewhat sad and stirs anger, the outcome makes up for it. If you could call it a happy ending, it's worth watching this dramatic story of a brave mother who sacrifices her own happiness...to the end and ends up getting the daughter's gratitude for all she endured at the end, with the help of an unlikely character. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: popinfinite