X
- 2018
- R
- Fox Searchlight Pictures
- 1 h 46 m
- 2018
- R
- Fox Searchlight Pictures
- 1 h 46 m
Summary When bestselling celebrity biographer, Lee Israel, 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.
Directed By: Marielle Heller
Written By: Nicole Holofcener, Jeff Whitty
- 2018
- R
- Fox Searchlight Pictures
- 1 h 46 m
- 2018
- R
- Fox Searchlight Pictures
- 1 h 46 m
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
7.5
Where to Watch
Summary When bestselling celebrity biographer, Lee Israel, 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.
Directed By: Marielle Heller
Written By: Nicole Holofcener, Jeff Whitty
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 53 Critic Reviews
87
98% Positive
52 Reviews
52 Reviews
2% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 53 Critic Reviews
87
98% Positive
52 Reviews
52 Reviews
2% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
The law about movie characters needing to be sympathetic is defied in this horribly fascinating true-crime black comedy.
The miracle is Melissa McCarthy, whose tortured portrait of disgraced celebrity author and convicted forger Lee Israel is the consummate performance of her career and the crowning achievement of her life. I have seen Can You Ever Forgive Me? twice, rubbing my eyes with astonishment and discovering something new and wonderful each time. This is my favorite film of 2018.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 153 User Ratings
7.5
84% Positive
129 Ratings
129 Ratings
12% Mixed
19 Ratings
19 Ratings
3% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 153 User Ratings
7.5
84% Positive
129 Ratings
129 Ratings
12% Mixed
19 Ratings
19 Ratings
3% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
The movie was brilliant. Acting by both the lead actress and the supporting actor were phenomenal. Highly recommended, even if you have no interest in these kind of films. The performance alone is worth your time. 20/10 stars.
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This isn't the sort of film that brings massive laugh out loud moments but I found it certainly made me chuckle at times, none the less and I like the rebellious, mischevious aspect of both of the main characters. Its an interesting story and its based on a true story I believe too, which is something I appreciate - im a **** for a true life story, even if said story is about a writer unable to sell their story (if you follow). The performances are good, especially that of Melissa McCarthy, she gives a stellar performance I thought and there is an emotional rawness towards the end of the film that I appreciated, plus some information about the true story is provided as the credits start to roll, which I liked, so due to all of this, I'd definitely recommend this film to others.
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It’s the human side of the character that makes this McCarthy’s best performance to date, revealing haunting insights into friendship, loneliness, and creative insecurity.
It doesn’t wring its hands with grief and beatify its rumpled subjects. Instead, it arrives at a place of humble, true understanding. Which means more than mere forgiveness ever could.
The powerful, vanity-free performances are the real thing in this bittersweet biopic.
McCarthy’s performance, which is paired with an equally rewarding turn by British actor Richard E. Grant, anchors this bizarre, compelling true story.
A mess of a gay best friend, played brilliantly by Richard E. Grant in what is easily one of the year’s most enjoyable supporting performances. He steals every scene he’s in, injecting the film with a needed dose of lovability that carries it through its narrative lulls.
Ci sta.
Molto interessante, dal punto di vista del concept e della storia vera su cui è basato. McCarthy non mi ha dato fastidio e i **** non mi sono dispiaciuti. Ma il film in generale non si sporge più in là di quanto si prefigge di andare. La regia e la fotografia sono nella media e non sono nient'altro che funzionali.
Consigliato? Sì, ma non c'è fretta.
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The 7.5 listed above is probably the best way to rate this move. It honestly isn't a bad movie, I just....never really cared. McCarthy's performance is actually surprisingly good as is Grant's, but the story just moves at a underwhelming and laborious pace and never really picks up the feeling. I get that is to be expected from a drama, but I never felt any sense of care or concern in this movie because I just never really cared about the characters or the story. I'm giving it a 6 because it probably is a good movie for those that like a good drama and the performances from the cast, I would just recommend not watching this if you don't know about the story or are trying to find a movie to keep you awake.
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This story about anti-social writer Lee Israel starts off OK and looks proficient enough – with neat direction, good Cinematography, and very capable performances. Melissa McCarthy convinces as Israel, trouble is, the two central characters simply offer nothing for us to like about them. Lee is a blatant and unrepentant thief in the form of a serial forger. She forges letters from famous show bis people, selling them to stores specialising in such items. Her partner in crime, played by Richard E. Grant is an equally unlikeable **** with no moral compass whatsoever. Together they con even those who offer them genuine understanding and friendship and hardly seem to care. As good as it looks; it soon becomes tiresome as spending time with these people is totally unrewarding. Might suit those who like character studies of characterless subjects. By the way, language is as you might expect, over the top.
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Production Company
Fox Searchlight Pictures,
Archer Gray,
Bob Industries,
TSG Entertainment
Release Date Oct 19, 2018
Duration 1 h 46 m
Rating R
Tagline Her greatest work will be her biggest crime.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 3 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 2 Nominations
Alliance of Women Film Journalists
• 3 Wins & 6 Nominations
