Postcards from the Edge

This must be my third copy of 'Postcards from the Edge' - first one was a VHS tape (I just wore it out with overuse) then the next one was locally bought here in Australia - but that got pinched by one of my adopted Bhutanese kids and it has since vanished into the extended family. I was informed at every local DVD store it was "no longer available" and so I looked to the internet and eventually found it on Amazon ('eventually' - probably took ten minutes).I love this film for so many reasons; the insight into Hollywood is one major reason - seeing Meryl Streep in anything is always a great thing. I love Shirley MacLaine when she is playing an American particularly if she is singing as well as acting. Like Shirl, I seriously do not understand why she wasn't given an Academy Award for her role as Doris in this semi-autobiographic film written by Carrie Fisher (at least a nomination).Three things: (1)It is a greatly made film all around with some very good camera work and editing - and(B)it reminds me in so many ways of Edina and Saffron Monsoon from the BBC TV series 'Absolutely Fabulous' although it's far from that in reality I think the two products are kindred spirits and also the commentary from Carrie Fisher on this Amazon bought copy is truly wonderful. I like Carrie Fisher, she's funny in a laconically sweet way - like a rusty first car you don't want to part with even though it makes odd sounds as you take her out for a drive.The story is obviously based on someone's real life, and then ramped up somewhat for 'poetic license'. I have always loved anything where Meryl Streep sings - from 'The Deer Hunter' through to 'Ironweed' and here she has two numbers that she delivers with gusto. MacLaine also delivers a wonderful number and manages to even take (what we say here in Australia) the piss out of herself... as much as anything. I think the film was dumped on a little by critics for being "too Hollywood" - but rest assured that those of us who love the movies and haven't lived or visited in Hollywood don't give a 'rat's' about that.It is entertaining and has a strong message to deliver. With Carrie Fisher adding her reflective insights and opinions in the commentary it's doubly wonderful. One of my favourite (the spelling is different here in Australia) things to do is sit and watch 'Soapdish' (featuring Carrie Fisher) and then 'Postcards from the Edge' - it's a great comedy double for my money (time is money) - so I am very very happy to have found the disc on Amazon and all the more delighted that there's the wonderful Carrie chattering away about a variety of things along for the showing.It is too much to ask if I have a particular favourite (see above) film - because I love so many films - but I quite often cite this one as my favourite (I've miked that enough) mainly because it makes me laugh and I always enjoy the story of a recovering drug addict and her alcoholic(ish) mother both in the movie industry and both competing for attention in their own special way.It must be twenty odd years old as a film, but it speaks to me today as clearly as it did when I saw it in the cinema during it's theatrical release - just say "No" to drugs is the message ultimately - but there are plenty of other messages about relationships in there as well - and it is funny!

Carrie Fisher wrote a lovely story about a daughter’s relationship with her alcoholic mother and her own drug addiction on the set. As always, Meryl Streep Is delightful and so is Shirley McClain playing her mother. Makes you wonder if Carrie and Debbie Reynolds’s had a similar relationship.

Carrie Fisher’s riveting novel is adapted here as an equally, if not arguably even more moving screen portrayal of what in essence was a semi-autobiographical account of Carrie’s relationship with her own real life mother. Anyone seeking to understand themselves, or any loved one, who has battled with any kind of substance abuse issues, will find this film enriching. Anyone seeking to understand Carrie Fisher better, will also find that here.

I don't even have to say that Meryl Streep is the best actress that is now living in this world.And also Mike Nichols is one of the few director who really knows how to controll actors well as a Hollywood filmmaker who just passed away in 2014.But this movie didn't met my taste that well.As usual, Meryl Streep and her mother(Mother's roll) Shirley MacLaine were all good.And althouth small rolls only but Gene Hackman, Richard Dreyfuss, Dennis Quaid were all charming to look at.But something is missing in this film.Some people are saying that we should know more about the actual charactor of the woman who was played by Meryl Streep (Suzanne Vale is the name) but I don't think that way.The movie should be understood by the movie itself. If it cannot be appealed to the audience just because they didn't know the background story of the main charactor, then that movie is a failure.The main charactor has problems with drugs because of her famous actress mother played by Shirley MacLaine who is an alcoholic all her life. She was influenced by her according to her thought and that's why her life was so miserable. Also she is an actress too and just because of her mother's fame, she can always got the luck enough to keep act, she was more miserable. That made her having more drugs.But then again, it is her life. There is no excuse for that. She is the one who should control her life not her mother.According to her mother, she sang well from her childhood and as we see, she sure does sings well. Maybe she should have had concentrated as being a singer instead.The ending was her singing in front of all the people of her mother's friends and she sang beautifully.She seemed so happy at the end. Maybe she will find a way to live a better way from then on but it was not concrete enough for the audience to what this film is really about.I can guess why this film was kind of failed at the boxoffice back then. But still it earned almost 40,000,000 $ soley from the US which was not that bad bad.I think the star power made it possible.From [...]

This movie is one of my favorite Debbie Reynolds' movies. She's gritty and funny. Her comedic timing is the best. Meryl Streep is no slouch either. LOL

Acting is top notch. Sadly it is a story and theme I don’t care for. One more version of a repetitive theme. — how unhappy a life it is working in Show Business and please feel sorry for all the multi millionaires. Yawn!

Wonderful film

I do not know how much of this film is fact or poetic licence but Meryl Streep and Shirley Maclaine are excellent and it is mirthful and moving in equal measures. I am a huge believer in fate and karma and found it deeply touching that Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher had such a wonderful bond before Carries untimely death and that within days Debbie would die to be with her precious daughter- death is hardest on those left behind. A wonderful film and deserves 5 stars.

I saw this film quite a while ago and have recently decided to read the book.The film is a good representation but the book is far better.

Great film at a fantastic price & it arrived quickly despite the Christmas period.

As an avid Meryl Streep fan I like to watch older films of hers as well as newer ones. I'd heard this film was good so I took a chance and bought it and it was worth it a great film with a good storyline. I could watch it again and again! A must for all Meryl fans as well as Shirley Mcclaine she played a brilliant part too.

A film that never fails to please. Two fabulous stars. Shirley MacLaine and Meryl Streep not forgetting the very dishy Dennis Quaid. A good autobiographical story line and certainly worth buying if only to hear Meryl Streep singing Goodbye to heartbreak hotel. What a voice!