postcards from the edge by carrie fisher

In the script (even more so than the novel), Suzanne and Doris’ relationship serves as the cornerstone and has many defining moments, but two in particular stand out. Suzanne is tempted many times to return to her drug dependent days, as she starts a new romance and fights to remain sane. After Suzanne’s overdose and stint in rehab, she is forced to move into her mother’s house in order for the insurance company to cover her to act in a low-budget movie, which Suzanne and Doris both agree has a terrible script. Suzanne, the novel and movie’s main character, overdoses and attempts to reclaim some sense of dignity in her life while still (in her mind) being overshadowed by her mother, former movie/musical star Doris Mann, an embellished version of Carrie’s own mom.

Her wit only grew in the years since (take her subsequent roasting/honoring of George Lucas in 2005 as one example), but Postcards remains the quintessence of her writing prowess. But still, the script is the movie’s star and features an abundance of gallows humor and the sharp, cutting comedy Fisher has become known for. The story follows a Hollywood actress as she tries to overcome her addiction to cocaine and pharmaceuticals while under the shadow of her famous mother, closely echoing Carrie’s own life.ĭirected by the late Mike Nichols, Postcards features amazing performances from Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine, both of whom (in this writer’s opinion) give career-best performances. How often does the word “genius” get tossed around? Because it mostly definitely applies here and to this screenplay. Fisher doctored many other scripts, including the Star Wars prequels and The Wedding Planner, all of which were uncredited rewrites, but for Postcards, she solely wrote the script and the semi-autobiographical novel it is based on. Any great screenplay focuses on characters and relationships, and Postcards is a thinly veiled study of Debbie and Carrie’s.

Postcards from the Edge is an emotional film, closely tied to Carrie Fisher’s substance abuse problems and her relationship with her mother, Debbie Reynolds.

Postcards from the edge by carrie fisher