Dolores Claiborne (1995)

My Review

“Dolores Claiborne” is a psychological thriller drama movie about a woman accused of murder when her employer dies following a fall down a staircase in her home. Producer-director Taylor Hackford and screenwriter Tony Gilroy adapted this engrossing drama from Stephen King’s 1992 novel of the same name.

Kathy Bates stars in the title role of Dolores, a woman caught in an abusive marriage and trapped in low-paying domestic employment, when her daughter comes to town for a visit, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh. Excellent chemistry here, with riveting performances by both. Supporting cast includes David Strathairn as the husband, Christopher Plummer as the police detective, Judy Parfitt as the employer, as well as John C. Reilly, Eric Bogosian, Ellen Muth, Bob Gunton, Roy Cooper, Kelly Burnett, Wayne Robson, and Ruth Marshall.

The very watchable “Dolores Claiborne” is a superior melodrama and a big success in theatrical release for Castle Rock Entertainment and Columbia Pictures. It was filmed in Nova Scotia, Canada.