This recently released film starring a Melissa McCarthy was only showing on a few screens last week but luckily it popped up nearby a few days ago. This little theater has installed those nice recliner seats so me and two other patrons risked falling fast asleep in the middle of the afternoon.
This beautifully executed film based on a true story was more than interesting enough to keep us alert. The film is based on a book written by Lee Israel, played movingly by McCarthy. The time is 1991, and Israel, who had managed to get published is down on her luck. She’s broke, has a drinking problem and basically doesn’t play well with others. Her agent, played by the wonderful Jane Curtin, has stopped returning her calls and when she finally gets an audience with her is told to get serious about writing something people would actually want to read, or find another line of work. Israel is intent on writing about the great Fanny Brice despite her agent’s pleas. Here is where the real life plot thickens. While researching Fanny Brice in the stacks of a library a single page letter from none other than Brice drops from inside a book. Israel, being months behind on her rent and unable to even pay her cat’s vet bill visits one of New York’s many bookstores and in short order finds a buyer who pays fairly handsomely.
Being a clever and witty writer herself she slides into the forged letter business which lets her practice her art and make fast cash. During her escapades she befriends a female bookstore owner who buys her finds and is somewhat smitten with her. Dolly Wells delivers a tender performance in this role.
Next to Melissa McCarthy’s stellar performance is a wonderful turn by Swaziland born Richard E. Grant as her partner in crime.. He’s known for Gosford Park and a few other films and played the role of Bill Walton in “Jackie”. He is absolutely brilliant in a pretty zany role. He has no apparent means yet somehow lives life enthusiastically in Manhattan. He, like Israel has pretty much lost his friends due to drinking and bad behavior, but it doesn’t slow him down one bit.
I expect McCarthy to get some notice for her performance and perhaps Grant as well. Actor, writer and director Marielle Heller ably directed this film. She was selected in 2012 as a Sundance Screenwriting Fellow as well as a Directing Fellow. Her work here will lead to many more opportunities.
Lastly, the music was excellent. From Billie Holliday to Chet Baker and more, it all fit seamlessly into this little gem.
