Dolores Claiborne

Stephen King is considered, in the good sense of the word, the "king" of book commerce, and many of his titles are rightfully bestsellers. However, due to the large overproduction of his works, he inevitably has a number of mediocre pieces. Additionally, films based on his stories are known for seeking maximum viewer effect and are often associated with poor craftsmanship, so it is necessary to approach such productions with caution. Fortunately, Dolores is among the better, or perhaps even the best King adaptations. This is mainly thanks to excellent casting, with Kathy Bates and Jennifer Jason Leigh delivering maximum performances as a mother and emotionally unstable daughter, and Christopher Plummer skillfully supporting them as an investigator driven by revenge. This time, King doesn't need any mysterious tricks to play out a game full of dark tones and keep the viewer guessing until the very end, wondering whose side the truth is on and how many human lives Dolores is actually responsible for. Dolores Claiborne is a morally ambiguous drama that forces the viewer to contemplate it and leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll. Overall impression: 85%. (03/12/2017)

Another of Stephen King's many well adapted novels with an impressively oppressive atmosphere, bleak locations and weird individuals. Great casting, dominated by the hard-to-beat Kathy Bates, an intricate, well-grasped script and at times almost horror-like moments (similar to Misery), enhanced by great lighting and camera work. A little-known thriller, which probably hangs in the wake of the better known, more iconic and better received "King films" like The Shawshank Redemption or The Green Mile. Dolores Claiborne, however, is in many ways an equally impressive affair. (08/14/2022)

Aside from the partial missteps (an overlong therapist/investigator ending with the overacting Leigh), a very nicely written mystery that successfully meets the ethos of a forgotten island at the edge of the world where more than a few mysteries lie hidden in both the characters and the place itself. Except that the attempt at a feminist dimension fails with the usual 90s crutch, where even though the heroine is a capable, individual, and independent character, she nevertheless seems ill-suited to the role and is neurotic, wracked by panic attacks and pill addiction. (05/25/2020)

Another adaptation of Stephen King's "non-horror" novel, this turned out to be an excellent film, perhaps benefiting most from Gilroy's fine script, Elfman's music, Hackford's above-average directing, and also from the great Kathy Bates. An excellent, almost chilling study of the strained relationship between a mother and a daughter. 4 stars (09/29/2009)