CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?

This film delivered what I expected: a slight tale, based on real events, of a writer down on her luck who starts forging literary letters to pay the rent. 

Melissa McCarthy gives a very good performance as said writer, Lee Israel.  I especially liked the way she doesn't try to make the character sympathetic.  In fact for most of the film she comes across as a rather unpleasant and rude person who deservedly has no friends.

Well, no friends that is until Richard E Grant turns up to enliven matters considerably, in a role he could play in his sleep, a dissolute of no fixed abode going by the name of Jack Hock.

Jack and Lee don't always get on, especially when her beloved cat dies whilst Jack is minding her apartment.  But they are two lost souls who enjoy drinking and straight talking, and who need each other on some level.  Their relationship gives the film some welcome warmth.

The only other relationship of note is between Lee and Anna, a bookstore owner who is looking to Lee for friendship and maybe more.  Lee does not reciprocate, and I was disappointed that their story peters out quite limply.  But then again if that is what actually happened then credit to the makers of the film for resisting the temptation to embellish reality.

RATING: ✓ If You've Nothing Better To Do