‘Prozac’ adaptation is a real downer

Elizabeth Wurtzel’s memoir “Prozac Nation” was one of the most talked-about books of the 1990s. But the film adaptation (7 p.m. today, Starz) has become one of the Hollywood mysteries of the new century. Produced by Miramax and completed in 2001, “Prozac Nation” has been missing in action. The film’s trailer has been floating around the Internet for years, but its release date remained elusive. And tonight, it appears on cable.

The true tale of Wurtzel’s early writing talent and her bouts with clinical depression, “Prozac,” starring Christina Ricci, is an ordeal to endure. To call Ricci’s Wurtzel self-absorbed is a monumental understatement. And for a “great” writer, many of her voiced-over observations are trite cliches.

Look for Jason Biggs (“American Pie”) as Wurtzel’s dope-dealing love interest, who just isn’t that into her self-destruction. Jessica Lange chews a lot of screen time as the writer’s controlling mother. Lou Reed shows up in a concert scene during Wurtzel’s promising stint as a college music critic. “Dawson’s Creek”-era Michelle Williams plays Wurtzel’s Harvard roommate, and Anne Heche plays the shrink who finally doles out the magic medicine that sets Wurtzel on her way to recovery.

Movies about madness are always difficult, but “Prozac” doesn’t even have the benefit of showing a therapeutic process and breakthrough. If anything, it’s an anti-therapy movie.

Tonight’s highlights

  • The NCAA Basketball Tournament (7 p.m., CBS) continues.
  • Inductees Buddy Guy, Percy Sledge, The O’Jays, The Pretenders and U2 are celebrated at the 2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony (8 p.m., VH1).
  • Drug tampering on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (9 p.m., NBC).
  • Ashton Kutcher is host on “Saturday Night Live” (10:30 p.m., NBC), featuring musical guest Gwen Stefani.

Sunday’s highlights

  • The truth about Mrs. Huber is exhumed on “Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m., ABC).
  • Tension mounts as a mining company representative snoops around town on “Deadwood” (8 p.m., HBO).
  • Suspicions fall on a good-deed-doer on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m., NBC).
  • Ken Howard guest stars on “Crossing Jordan” (9 p.m., NBC).
  • Shelley Long (“Cheers”) guest stars on “Boston Legal” (9 p.m., ABC).