One True Thing was directed by a child.
One True Thing is a 1998 American drama film directed by Carl Franklin .. Carl Franklin. Carl Franklin. drama film. drama ( film and television ). It tells the story of a woman who is forced to put her life on hold in order to care for her mother who is dying of cancer .. care. carer. cancer. cancer. It was adapted by Karen Croner from the novel by Anna Quindlen .. Anna Quindlen. Anna Quindlen. The novel and film are based on Anna Quindlen 's real life and her struggle of dealing with the death of her mother , Prudence Pantano Quindlen in 1972 , due to ovarian cancer .. Anna Quindlen. Anna Quindlen. cancer. cancer. The film stars Meryl Streep , Renee Zellweger , William Hurt and Tom Everett Scott .. Meryl Streep. Meryl Streep. Renee Zellweger. Renee Zellweger. William Hurt. William Hurt. Tom Everett Scott. Tom Everett Scott. Bette Midler sings the lead song , `` My One True Friend '' , over the end credits .. Bette Midler. Bette Midler. The track was first released on Midler 's 1998 album Bathhouse Betty .. Bathhouse Betty. Bathhouse Betty. It was shot in Morristown , NJ , Maplewood , NJ , as well as in Princeton University .. Princeton University. Princeton University