The Patron Saint of Liars (1998)

You see the names Dana Delany, Sada Thompson, Ellen Burstyn... and you think, "Wow, this has got to be a great movie." Unfortunately, the best part of the movie was the opening credits and it goes downhill from there. I don't know if something was lost in translation from the book to the screen, but this movie lacked emotion. I didn't really care for Dana Delany's character, Rose. In fact, I came to despise her. It almost seems as if the producers of this film looked at every Lifetime movie over the last 10 years, grabbed scenes off the cutting-room floor, spliced them together and came up with this travesty. The ending was horrible... what happened? Did Rose, Son and Cecilia live happily ever after? Did the first husband come back? Did the daughter, Cecilia, ever forgive her mother or get to know her real father? Did Sister Evangeline (Sada Thompson) ever get out of that dang kitchen? And what was the deal with the healing spring? There were a lot of unanswered questions. My advice - skip this movie and go hug your family.

Another voice added to the comment choir. This is a pretty awful movie that allows one to wander the house, do laundry, read a book (even the book upon which the movie is based) and still be bored with it (the movie that is). Add my vote to those who hated the lead character. She isn't presented as a patron saint but more of an excellent liar and fairly worthless character. People like Rose may have a few screws loose or lost but whatever the reason for her behavior, I can't work up the empathy to care. Gist of review: Sticking with this movie is like watching the wrong shade of paint dry on your walls so you can finally repaint with a better color. Fortunately, viewers can avoid the wait by just changing the channel.

It is a weak movie, but it is based on a great book. The Patron Saint of Liars is a sad story of a woman unhappy with who she is. It details how she runs from her life then she puts herself into another life. She is never quite happy with her second life either. The story is sad, but interesting. You relate to her and feel sorry for her at the same time. The movie is much slower than the book, and not as deep. The book takes you in more and allows you to relate more to the characters and their feelings. Dana Delany is kind of bland in the lead role. It does have a small early role for Maggie Gyllenhal.It is worth a watch, but definitely worth reading.

Ann Patchett's book is much better but as movie adaptations go this is fine. It is worth watching just to see the great Sada Thompson as Sister Evangeline. That doesn't mean the other actors aren't fine it is just that Sada stands out. People may wonder why Dana Delaney sets off for Kentucky. I read the book so long ago I don't know if this was gone into. There is also fine work from Clancy Brown who plays Mr. Niceguy. A far cry from the demonic minister he played on two seasons of HBO'S CARNIVALE. The featured players are good too. Filmed on location in North Carolina which probably comes close to Kentucky where the story takes place. Read the book and watch the movie and see why Sada Thompson is one of America's finest actresses.