‘Postcards From the Edge’

Mike Nichols’ knowing direction provides the perfect witty touch in bringing to the screen Carrie Fisher’s adaptation of her own novel about a very bright actress (Meryl Streep, left), who short-circuits her talent with drugs, and her brassy, competitive mother (Shirley MacLaine), a golden era Hollywood star. (Of course, we’re not supposed to think of Fisher herself or her mother Debbie Reynolds). A truly sophisticated entertainment that offers a sharp insider’s view of Hollywood (Cinemax Monday at 5 a.m.).