I must first confess that I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional performance of the actress
Melissa McCarthy who is (was?) almost-systematically accustomed to cinematographic pieces of junk such as
Life of the Party (2018),
Ghostbusters (2016) or
Charlie's Angels (2000). I sincerely hope that this film will mark a turning point in her career, with a before and an after.
Then, the subject is not really bankable: no superhero, no sexy actress, no Computer-Generated Imagery. In addition, the main characters are two insignificant loosers who will attract the wrath of the FBI because of their secret activity of a two-penny faker and will then be within an inch of jail. Of course, with such a script, the movie will probably not be a hit at the world box-office.
Nevertheless, the movie is delightfully excellent and describes with subtlety and sensitivity an ineluctable descent into the abyss. Lee Israel (
Melissa McCarthy) was a writer with some success. One of her books was even mentioned in the New York Times best sellers. But, success is now part of the past and she regularly has huge difficulties in paying her rent. By chance, in an old book of a public library, she discovers a real typed letter from a well-known female writer. Begins then an improvised career of a scammer with false letters from real personalities that she skillfully engineers within her shabby apartment.
As a synthesis,
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) is excellent! 8/9 of 10
