Next up in our series on the Oscar-nominated films, here’s a review of “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” from WMK Movie Reviews.
There’s almost nothing better than a director who can create something so sophisticated out of a premise so simple, and Marielle Heller does the job so well in Can You Ever Forgive Me?
It’s based on the true story of Lee Israel, a struggling author who had forged many letters from famous writers for personal gain. The plot is simplistic but Heller adds a level of depth to Melissa McCarthy’s character unlike you’ve ever seen in her entire career. McCarthy breaks free from her derivative roles for a much more serious and meaningful character, though she does use her style of humor with a fresh approach to new material.
Israel represents the loneliness that many people tend to face throughout their lifetime. She sinks into personal destruction through her own means, heading to her criminal downfall. In her crimes, she learns that it may just have been the “excitement” she was missing to feel some sort of worth.
One of the most memorable scenes of any 2018 film involves Israel’s cat, which I will not spoil. It is a strong representation of how tight knit direction can make even the most simplistic of moments severely heart wrenching.
Moviegoers should know that this is not intended to be a straightforward telling of a true story, but rather a metaphoric character study that deserves deeper analysis of the human spirit.
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