"Can You Forgive Me?" is the story of the late author Lee Israel played by Melissa McCarthy. Lee is an outspoken, alcoholic, out of work author who HAPPENS to be a lesbian obsessed with her cat. That's where the stereotype stops. She fights for her worth which includes clashing with her agent (Jane Curtin). One day while researching her pending biography of Fanny Brice, she stumbles on a handwritten letter from Fannie to a friend. Lee adds one embellishment on the letter in Fanny's voice and a world of possibilities opens up. Soon Lee is writing letters in the voice of several deceased authors to various people in their lives. She begins selling these letters and making money hand over fist. When the FBI gets involved she finally realizes although what she's doing was illegal, it was the best time of her life. Richard E. Grant co-stars as Lee's gay bestie Jack Hock (scoring himself a Best Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar nod).
From the directing to the script to the acting this movie works. You know she's doing something illegal, but you find yourself rooting for Lee to get away with it forever. And Jack is a hoot.
Five star movie easily; don't believe me? It scored 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Worth seeing, and although I do not regret my words Melissa earned that Oscar nomination.