Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

After I read the novel and left King behind (I lost interest) I doubted I would ever want to see any of his newer novel-based films. If I couldn't stand the novels, the films mostly likely wouldn't interest me. However, the film version of Deloris Claiborne had something I really love watching, Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Jennifer Jason Leigh is an actress, and a powerful one at that. Every role she takes is radically different and all of them are intense. Unfortunately, Leigh is most likely always going to be best known for her role as Stacy Hamilton in the film Fast Times At Richmond High which was her initial break through part. Although not that meaty of a role, Leigh has gone on to some amazingly fine performances in various other films and has captured me as a fan on the way.

Deloris Claiborne is based on the Stephen King story of the same name. It is the story of Deloris who in the best interests of her daughter, sacrifices everything. Played by Kathy Bates (previously in the Stephen King film Misery), Deloris comes off as a tough b*tch on the outside, but one who would do anything if it would help out her daughter (Leigh).

Deloris works as a housekeeper for yet an even b*tchier Vera Donovan (played by Judy Parfitt). Vera is famous for being an uber-b*tch. Deloris sucks it up and does what no other worker of Vera's has done, sticks around and works for her for years and years.

It is during her tenure working for Vera that Deloris is faced with the ultimate challenge. She finds out that her drunkard, good-for-nothing husband is making the moves on their daughter. Selena (the daughter) has always been a strong student but her grades have fallen drastically. Selena also has appeared to start withdrawing into herself. She's no longer the outgoing happy little girl she used to be. She can't even look at her father in the face anymore! That's what tips Deloris off and after further investigation it proves to be true. Joe (the father, played by David Strathairn) is molesting their child. Deloris must do something.

Years later, Vera falls down a staircase and Deloris is charged with murder. Her daughter Selena shows up for support. The two haven't spoken in years and it's obvious Selena has emotional issues, least of all a drug problem. Throughout the film, we see why Selena and Deloris grew apart. Selena blames her mother for the death of her father. While it has never been proven, Selena just accepted it as a true fact. She loved her father. Apparently, the troubling 'molestation period' her father put her through has been blocked out of her mind. This most likely is the cause of many of her emotional issues today.

Deloris Claiborne is an excellent story about what a dedicated mother would do for her child. Work for the worst of employers just to pay for her daughter's education, protect her from a molesting father, and always wary of the consequences yet uncaring. Nothing is worth more to her than her child, even her life.

The two major actresses in this film are both superb. Kathy Bates's range from psycho to tender mother is so believable, it's easy to be moved in every scene where she moves in to protect her child. Jennifer Jason Leigh did not disappoint as well. Her role may not have been as large as Bates' but she got to showcase her talents over and over again. It's always extremely enjoyable watching her act.

Deloris Claiborne is an excellent, moving tale about a mother protecting her child all her life. The separation of their family, and their coming together later in life. The story isn't an outright sappy one though. The drunken father is a nightmare in itself. The film's scene where he initially molests his daughter alone on a ferry sent shivers down my spine and will most likely stick with me for quite some time. It makes this film very moving and in the end, you can't help but feel proud for this family, and Deloris for overcoming all the bad crap life has dealt them.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older