I understand when Lee Israel published her confessional memoir about her forging letters by famous writers there was some controversy, the same sort that comes up whenever someone convicted of a crime has a chance to make money off of those crimes by telling their story. Sure this is nothing like a murder writing about their murders and profiting off it. And as a writer I understand she was very talented and her retelling of the events was very enjoyable. I am also aware of the difficulty in trusting someone writing a "true story" when it is their version of events they want out there. But all in all, this story of a down on her luck writer and her scheme to sell forged letters by famous writers, ends up being very enjoyable with just enough self-deprication to make you tolerant of her attempt to tell her version of events.
But the story really only goes so far. What makes the film work as much as it does is Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant both giving wonderfully entertaining but minimized performances. Neither chews scenery or goes over the top. They imbue a true sense of humanity to their characters and are just a delight to watch. In many ways this film might be rather forgettable without them.
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant, Jane Curtin, Dolly Wells, Ben Falcone
Director: Marielle Heller
Writers: Nicole Holofcener, Jeff Whitty
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