Postcards From the Edge (DVD, 2001)

"Postcards from the Edge" is an adaptation of Carrie Fisher's (Debbie Reynold's & Eddie Fisher's daughter) semi-autobiographical novel. It is about a not so productive actress, Suzanne Vale (Meryl Streep), who is going downhill fast due to drug addiction & a weak sense of self-esteem. She is viewed by many as the grown up spoiled daughter of a famous Hollywood star, Doris Mann (Shirley MacLaine). I presumed Streep was playing Fisher & MacLaine was playing Reynolds.

Although Suzanne has talent, she doesn't seem to be able to break free from her mother's daunting reputation or come to terms with her mother's domination. Even though mother & daughter have become distant, they are thrust back together after Suzanne takes a near-fatal overdose. Because of Suzanne's drug problem, the insurers (Rob Reiner being one of them) of the film Suzanne was working on at the time of her overdose decides to make her live with someone who will keep watch over her during the rest of the film's production. Much to her dismay, Suzanne moves back home with her mother.

What complicates this situation worse is Doris' alcoholism. It's really the thing that brings them close. Mike Nichols directs an all-star cast including Annette Bening, Richard Dreyfuss, Gene Hackman & Rob Reiner, through a highly entertaining sneak peek into the bleak parts of showbusiness~

I read the book along time ago, wanted to see what Meryl Streep did with it. I really thought she did a great job as did Shirley MacLaine. Great Movie.