Film Review: "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" (2018).

"Her greatest work will be her biggest crime" in Can You Ever Forgive Me? This biographical film directed by Marielle Heller, written by Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty, and based on the confessional memoir of the same name by Lee Israel. Lee Israel made her living in the 1970s and '80s profiling the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estee Lauder and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen. When Lee is no longer able to get published because she has fallen out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack.

In 2011, Sam Rockwell was set to play the character of Jack Hock. In April 2015, it was announced that Julianne Moore would play Israel, with Holofcener set to direct. In mid May, Chris O'Dowd joined the cast. In July, Moore and Holofcener dropped out of the project due to "creative conflicts." In May 2016, Melissa McCarthy was confirmed to have been cast as Israel, with Heller as director. By January 2017, Richard E. Grant, Jane Curtin, Ben Falcone, and Anna Deavere Smith rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in early March. Filming took place in New York City, New York.

The film stars McCarthy, Grant, Curtin, Falcone, and Smith. The film is a lighthearted yet heart-wrenching look at the making of a truly brilliant, if somewhat reluctant, con artist thanks to being fuelled by a wonderful performance from McCarthy and Grant. Arguably the most gifted comedians of her generation, McCarthy has definitely been a victim of her own success. McCarthy raging was all the hype there for a while after Bridesmaid (2010). By the end of the film, you'll understand why Grant needed to play the accomplice and the steps toward acting maturity McCarthy has already managed to take. A quick witted study of sneaky dualities: the story of a liar who falls victim to the undesired circumstances, starring an actress who's playing a very convincing actress.

Long and complex, the agility with which Heller directs the story of Lee Israel performed with incredible naturalness, promptness and charisma by McCarthy. I don't think anyone would argue that the film is one of the best films of the year. However, it is good enough and passes a pleasant couple of hours. Is this a light-hearted romp? Is this a psychological drama? Is it a thriller? Can it be all three? Not quite, Sort of. Uh Uh. And dear lord no. What could have been a great film is merely a good one, by way of forsaking the gritty details for directorial sleight of hand. This film got me grinning. There's a part of us that cannot help be entertained by the sight of someone getting away with something. Regardless of the outrageous elements of the plot, the talented people involved with this film made it into an enjoyable one. The film is slick as a salesman and shallow as a kiddie pool, it's more interested in the con than the consequences.

Simon says Can You Ever Forgive Me receives: