Postcards from the Edge
Dir: Mike Nichols
1990
****
Based on the novel by Carrie Fisher, it's hard not to wonder whether the story of a women (the brilliant Meryl Streep), struggling with fame and with a larger than life, famous performer for a mother, isn't based on her own life, seeing as her troubles are quite well known and the mother character (played wonderfully by Shirley MacLaine) is just like Fishers' real life mother, Debbie Reynolds. She has said it's not based on her own life but I remain unconvinced, it matters not however as it's a great film none the less. Mike Nichols' direction is brilliant, the balance of serious drama and comedy is perfect. Streep's performance is as convincing as any of the big parts she's known for but it's the quirky set pieces, clever camera tricks and sharp script that gives the film it's unique and strongest selling point. The chemistry between two giants in the business is great, each giving the other their moment and each making the most of their own. The supporting performances from Annette Bening and Dennis Quaid are strong but Gene Hackman (who harnesses Richard Donner apparently) as the director who is strict but generous, steals every scene he's in and gives the film some of the more tender moments it really needed. Postcards from the Edge is somewhat of an overlooked classic, an interesting chapter of cinema as it crossed over to a new decade.