Movie spotlight
When a bestselling celebrity biographer is no longer able to get published because she has fallen out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception.
Based on the true story of Lee Israel, a struggling literary forger and biographer in New York City. Facing financial ruin and professional obscurity, Lee begins forging letters from famous deceased authors to sell to collectors. She soon finds unexpected success and a complicated partnership with fellow forger Jack Hock, but her deception leads her down a dangerous path.
Can You Ever Forgive Me? was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its sharp writing, Melissa McCarthy's performance, and the dynamic between the lead actors. Critics praised its blend of dark humor and poignant exploration of loneliness and artistic desperation.
Melissa McCarthy delivers a career-defining performance as a flawed but compelling protagonist.
The film masterfully balances dark humor with a touching portrayal of loneliness and desperation.
Sharp, witty dialogue and strong chemistry between McCarthy and Richard E. Grant elevate the material.
Google audience: Audiences lauded Melissa McCarthy's performance, finding the film to be a surprisingly funny and engaging story about a quirky character. Many appreciated the dark humor and the compelling narrative that made for an enjoyable watch.
Nominated for 3 Academy Awards (Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay), 3 Golden Globe Awards (Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture), and 4 BAFTA Awards (Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design).
Melissa McCarthy initially turned down the role of Lee Israel because she felt it was too similar to her comedic roles, but changed her mind after reading the script and realizing the depth of the character.
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Melissa McCarthy is outstanding in this retrospective dealing with the more "creative" aspects of the later career of acclaimed author Lee Israel. She genuinely elicits sympathy for the emptiness in, and sadness of, her life that led her to...
**_Unexpectedly emotional, with a towering central performance_** > _I had never known anything but up in my career, had never received even one of those formatted no-thank-you slips that successful writers look back upon with triumphant...
Mad props to Melissa McCarthy for turning it around with this after _Happytime Murders_ and _Life of the Party_. Actually after basically every single thing I've seen her in up until this point. I honestly can't think of a single role I've ...
Lee Israel was selfish, cold, sad, and disreputable. She was also really fun to know. Sookie nails this one.
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