Melissa McCarthy delivers an exceptional performance in this look back at a peculiar chapter in the career of respected writer Lee Israel. The film successfully evokes empathy for the loneliness and unhappiness that drove him to produce numerous fake works, which fooled many people in the literary community for quite some time. Richard E. Grant was entirely worthy of his Academy Award recognition as his playful accom…

**_Unexpectedly emotional, with a towering central performance_** > _I had never known anything but up in my career, had never received even one of those formatted no-thank-you slips that successful writers look back upon with triumphant jocularity. And I regarded with pity and disdain the short-sleeved wage slaves who worked in offices. I had no reason to believe life would get anything but better. I had had …

It’s remarkable how Melissa McCarthy has managed to shift gears with this film, especially considering her previous work like _Happytime Murders_ and _Life of the Party_. In fact, I've struggled to find anything she's done that really resonated with me until now. However, as Lee Israel in this movie, McCarthy delivers a truly excellent performance. Richard E. Grant also deserves recognition for his supporting role…

The character portrayed by Lee Israel comes across as unpleasant—aloof, unhappy, and lacking in integrity—but she’s undeniably entertaining to watch. Sookie did a great job with it.