Dolores Claiborne

These are talented women.

Our two previous entries were an attempt to document Bo Derek's career in our humble movie blog. While we tried as hard as we could, watching two Bo Derek films in a week felt awful, so in order to even things up, we're bringing a real actress, a real movie, a real plot (based upon a fantastic novel I might add) 

Talented actresses have already been a part of this blog for years, we're not all about b movies only. There's been a big chunk of great films with fantastic performances that would make every woman in the world proud. Yes! We're feminists despite what you may think! So, if Bo Derek completely destroyed the idea of talented women being hired just because of their skills rather than their looks, well, think again! today we're proud to bring the one and only Kathy Bates! 

Kathy Bates became a massive star after she starred 1990's Stephen King's Misery. However, we're not reviewing that film first simply because she did a larger than life portrayal of a mother who never quits in 1995's Dolores Claiborne. Although Dolores Claiborne is another movie based upon Stephen King's wonderful writing, this movie has something no other horror movie can have: real life horror, and by that I mean sexism towards woman, misogyny, male chauvinism and all the dookie that comes attached to the previous terms: mental & physical mistreatment, discrimination, hate speech & rape. 

Mother & daughter separated by blocked memories of an incomplete past.

Red neck motherfucker.

Being a long time Stephen King fan I can tell you, he wrote a masterpiece here, because the greatest horror stories are sometimes the ones that display the true disgusting nature of mankind instead of seeing monsters & demons we're seeing dysfunctional families being torn apart by everyday monstrosities.   

Selena St George (Jennifer Jason Leigh in a fantastic performance) returns to her Maine island home to be reunited with her estranged mother Dolores (Bathes). Dolores has been charged with the murder of her long time wealthy employer Vera Donovan (another great performance by Judy Parfitt) , and all the evidence points to her guilt. Detective John Mackey (Christopher Plummer) leads the investigation, however his view is tainted as he failed to convict Dolores for the murder of her husband Joe St. George (a disgustingly good role by David Strathairn) , almost 20 years ago - his only unclosed case. As the present murder is investigated the truth about the past is slowly revealed.

How many Hollywood films give good roles to women. Not many - certainly not older women. This stands out because it has three good roles for women and a very strong supporting cast. The story is compelling, the present murder is slowly revealed, while the back story between Dolores, Selena, Joe and Vera is slowly spun out in memories. The various strands are all gripping - the level of detail and back story is excellent. The way the past is weaved into the present is well handled and you never feel like there's too much going on - each strand compliments the others.

Selena, it's time you hear the truth about that eclipse night.

Coward men beat women. They should be murdered with no remorse.

The flashbacks are well filmed - each memory is painted bright with sunshine and gaudy colors. Like Selena's memory, it all seems better in hindsight. The present is filmed in pale greys, not even flesh colors come across - everyone looks ashen and grey. The director also deserves praise with the way he blends the present scenes into the past - the camera moves slightly revealing past action. At the end, every story is revealed and it's very satisfying.

As I said, the cast are excellent. If Bates got an Oscar for Misery then she more than deserved one here. She is superb in older and younger roles. She has some annoying habits, mainly the phrases she uses - but she brings out so much hurt, so many layers and so much resentment really well. Jason-Leigh is as good as always and is suitably disturbed - she is very well matched by her younger version, Ellen Muth, who matched Leigh's manner and speech well. Parfitt is an excellent Vera, she has a smaller role but deals with the changes very well. The support cast are all excellent - three stand out. Strathairn is excellent as the abusive Joe, Plummer is great as the cop, who turns out to have as many unresolved issues as Selena. The cast is rounded off by John C Reilly, who is always great.

This woman has been to hell and back.

Shit happens Dolores.

Dolores Claiborne is a masterpiece, a film teachers should show their students, a film every mother in this world should show her kids to understand the struggle, to see that the worst enemy is always next door, it could be your parents, your relatives, a close friend, an abusive boss, religious freaks, and even your husband! 

The world knows Stephen King is a master of horror writing, and whenever his name comes up, people would usually think about the books featuring monsters, demons, ghosts and all sorts of paranormal entities but, believe you me, there isn't any horror creature that can come close to what Dolores Claiborne has to face: real life horror, a dysfunctional family, a red neck macho town and even a distrusting daughter! I know there are plenty of films out there depicting the same sad issues but this one takes it to the next level. The combination of well placed elements at the right time make each scene a chilling experience that will truly give you the creeps. Although the violence scenes are graphic, they're presented in a very artistic manner, accompanied by the excellent soundtrack written in its entirety by a 90's legend, Mr. Danny Elfman. 

The eclipse night, a clever metaphor.

Go Dolores Go!

Abuse towards women is a real threat, and it's happening everyday around the world, if you're being abused please ask for immediate help! and if you know someone is being abused, please, please help them, don't be a silent witness of domestic violence, we can all change the world and I plan to do my part, by respecting and loving my wife, sister, aunt and other female relatives and friends I care so much about. There are women suffering manly abuse out there, let's open our eyes and help as soon as possible. There are many foundations and local groups working together to give women a peaceful life full of opportunities, Google your city and do your part.

Overall, Dolores Claiborne is an absolute triumph, a movie that has it all, and moreover, a very scary film that reveals the true nature of some men who think just because they're men, they can do as they please. Kathy Bates acting is so breathtaking that I'm sure you will see the reflection of many women you care about in every scene she's in. Go watch it now if you haven't!

Here's the movie trailer: