Postcards from the Edge (1990)

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Director: Mike Nichols

Writer: Carrie Fisher, based on her book

Stars: Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman, Richard Dreyfuss, Rob Reiner, Mary Wickes, Conrad Bain


An actress's (Meryl Streep) recovery from drug addiction is complicated by her difficult, competitive relationship with her mother (Shirley MacLaine), a maintenance alcoholic and former star who misses the limelight.
 

Based on Carrie Fisher's autobiographical novel, this film attempts a careful balance between comedy and drama and mostly succeeds. 


Although it gives short shrift to the seriousness of drug dependence, the comedy is genuinely funny in the capable hands of Streep and (especially) MacLaine. 


The ending is too tidy for its own good, but this film remains a funny comedy with glimpses of what could have been a searing drama.













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