It's a poignant tale of thwarted lives, and a thorough delight. Barrymore is especially compelling as a woman thwarted in love.

Ms. Lange and Ms. Barrymore easily play eccentric beauties, but they are even better in the more complicated roles of crazy cat ladies.

The Edies were two women with a half-ounce of talent and a full measure of stubbornness, and they're played beautifully in both old and young states by Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore, who give fearless performances of intriguing luminescence.

The new film stumbles the most when it recreates moments from the documentary, because even two great actresses just can't compete with people who were not acting, but were instead showing us a part of their incredibly complex selves.