Dolores Claiborne (1995)

Dark secrets, family torments, and two murders swirl around the stoic, hardened figure of Dolores Claiborne (Kathy Bates), a housekeeper accused of murdering her employer of 22 years. Then there was that timely accident that took Dolores's husband (David Strathairn) during the solar eclipse of 1975. Yet with all the somber suffering that follows Dolores like a miasma of pain, none of it compares with the heartache of a relationship she has with her grown daughter (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Although this flick is rife with horror, it is not of the supernatural kind, but rather of the torment only real people can impose on one another. The script is full of colorful language, and director Taylor Hackford successfully weaves several plot threads and psychological dilemmas throughout this engrossing tale without diminishing any of them. He not only culls intense performances from his cast, but he also brings to life the landscape around them. When the film's best-kept secret is finally given up, it occurs under the surreal backdrop of a solar eclipse that is a truly sensational bit of cinematography. --Rochelle O'Gorman Amazon.com

 Just a quietly great movie
If you are looking for a movie that is a good psycho-drama, a mother/daughter story, a who-dun-it--with great acting, a great script, superior direction, beautifully filmed creative sequences--buy this movie. April 9, 2008

 Mindblowingly powerful, compelling, disturbing masterpiece
This movie is not for the fainthearted! Dolores Claiborne is a visceral depiction of both the evils humans can and often do inflict on each other, and the results of years of misunderstanding, bitterness, selfishness and hatred within the frameworks of a family and a small town. The acting is uniformly superb, the cinematography atmospheric and even creepy at times, the music hauntingly beautiful and poignant. Highest recommendation! March 16, 2008

 Well acted, well scripted, and... see it
Beautiful movie... one of those, so you judge this way? Well, what about this perspective... type stories. Well done, well scripted, well acted, and excellently directed. February 27, 2008

 Uniquely Outstanding...
This film presents one of the most realistic and compelling acting performances ever portrayed. The artistry of Kathy Bates in bringing to life the tragic face of Delores Claiborne is at once marvelous, painfully sad, and simply unforgettable. The entire feel of this production represents film making at it's very best. Not only will it pull you in and make you think about what's important in life, but it will remind you that life is mostly about loss, perseverance and survival for many unfortunate souls. February 2, 2008

 Outstanding!
This movie has become my favorite. All star cast who each do an outstanding job. Should have won Many academy awards. Danny Elfman also does a outstanding with score. You won't be disapointed> January 6, 2008

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