Product: Postcards from the Edge [VHS] (1990)
Rating: 5.0
That old thing
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!