Can you Ever Forgive me?

Locations
Call Number: DVD Comedy Can
On Shelf At: Downtown Library, Malletts Creek Branch, Pittsfield Branch, Westgate Branch

Title from sell sheet.
Originally released as a motion picture in 2018.
Wide screen (2.40:1).
Special features: Deleted scenes; commentaries; galleries; Elevator pitch; Becoming Lee Isreal; Likely friends; A literary world.
Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant, Dolly Wells, Ben Falcone, Jane Curtin, Stephen Spinella, Christian Navarro.
Lee Israel who made her living in the '70s 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. An adaptation of the memoir, the true story of best-selling celebrity biographer (and friend to cats).
DVD, wide screen (2.40:1); Dolby digital 5.1, Descriptive audio 5.1 (English), Dolby digital 2.0 (French, Spanish).

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

Loved it! submitted by yufamily on July 29, 2019, 8:59pm watched it twice

Oscar-Worth Performance from Melissa McCarthy submitted by Meginator on July 30, 2019, 11:10pm Content Warning: This film depicts a dead pet (the death itself is not shown on-camera and it is not the result of abuse).
This is an incredibly moving character-centered film anchored by outstanding performances from Melissa McCarthy, who completely inhabits the character of Lee Israel, and her supporting cast. The script shows remarkable restraint, portraying Israel somewhat ambiguously; she is certainly a sympathetic protagonist, insofar as her decisions seem reasonable within the context of her established character and circumstances, yet she also comes across as deeply flawed and certainly is not portrayed as a hero (even of her own story). The script also strikes a fine balance between comedy and pathos, keeping the story engaging without undermining the gravity of its moral core and character study. For what it’s worth, and despite a couple of errors in a scene occurring in a manuscript repository (please, I beg of you, do *not* wear gloves when working with archival materials, unless they’re photographs), the film offers an excellent depiction of the rare book and manuscript trade and explains how literary forgeries such as Israel’s can become so valuable. All in all, Lee Israel’s story is a fascinating, deeply human one, and Melissa McCarthy’s keenly nuanced performance brings it to striking life. This is a deep and somewhat depressing film, but it is a stunning work of cinema.

Overrated submitted by lawrencekl57 on August 7, 2019, 9:25pm Everyone seemed to love this movie, so I watched it even thought the subject didn't interest me. I only watched it all the way through because my cable was out. Totally bored.

Amazingly great movie! submitted by bookher on August 11, 2019, 11:38am I've been waiting to see this movie but had prepared myself for a very dislikable Melissa McCarthy character because of all the reviews I had read BUT I loved her character! I found Lee Isreal to be a very likeable and relateable person who was simply using her best talents to survive. She cared deeply about her cat and her friend though she didn't have many. I know this was based on a true story but the movie put it all together very well with a satisfying ending. Melissa McCarthy deserves an Oscar for this role! And, yes, her humor just couldn't help slipping in here and there throughout the movie. I loved this movie!

Melissa McCarthy is a A+ actor submitted by ginarae3 on August 22, 2019, 10:41am Melissa McCarthy doesn't need to be over the top to be funny. She is hilarious in the movie while also being excellent at being dramatic. She portrays this character with depth and care, and makes you root for her even when you know you shouldn't.

Better than expected submitted by alotofaxolotl on August 22, 2019, 8:46pm I was hesitant to watch this but the acting did not disappoint. We empathize with the main character while cringing at her poor social skills and increasingly desperate and criminal choices. It's a bit like watching a wreck in slow motion. There are humorous moments. Overall, it was a worthwhile movie: not sugar-coated and the portrayal was empathetic and humane. I'd recommend it to someone who wants a movie with a bit of depth. Not boring at all.

pleasant to watch from beginning to almost the end, BUT submitted by Tassos on March 13, 2020, 9:29am they should have a photo of the REAL Lee Israel in the bonus features, and NOT again the actors!!!

PS seriously, meg, now we need to warn about the movie showing what looks like a dead cat? (which in reality might be very much alive)? GET A GRIP! And I say this as a HUGE CAT LOVER.