Can You Ever Forgive Me? is a biographical comedy-drama film released in 2018, directed by Marielle Heller. The movie stars Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant, Dolly Wells, and Ben Falcone in leading roles.
The film is based on the memoirs of Lee Israel, a prominent celebrity biographer who falls on hard times in the 1990s when her books are no longer popular. Desperate for money, Israel uses her skill at imitating famous personalities to forge letters supposedly written by deceased writers and celebrities. She is initially successful, but things start to fall apart when her forgeries are discovered, leading to a federal investigation and criminal charges.
The movie shows Israel becoming increasingly desperate as her debts mount up. She finds a kindred spirit in Jack Hock, a fellow miscreant and flamboyant confidence artist who lives life on the edge. The duo form a bond, each helping the other in their various scams.
McCarthy's performance as Lee Israel is widely praised, with particular attention paid to her portrayal of a witty and caustic woman who covers up her insecurities with a façade of snark and self-reliance. The film's screenplay, written by Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty, is also noted for its dialogue, which is both funny and poignant.
Overall, Can You Ever Forgive Me? is a captivating exploration of the importance of art and the lengths individuals will go to keep it in their lives.