Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Here is a rephrased version of the section:

In 1991, amidst the neon-lit cityscape of New York, Lee Israel (Melissa McCarthy), a 51-year-old copy editor at a publishing corporation, finds herself stuck in a late-night grind. Her youthful colleague's snide remark - "You're older than your mother and still doing this kind of work?" - sets her off on a trajectory of self-discovery. As she navigates the office, Lee's wit is pitted against the corporate machine, culminating in a confrontation with her supervisor that ends with her being unceremoniously fired.

Lee's tumultuous night continues at a dinner party hosted by her literary agent, Marjorie (Jane Curtin), where she encounters a world of pretension and conformity. The evening's atmosphere is stifling, as Lee finds herself overwhelmed by the lavish trappings and forced small talk. Her attempts to discuss new book ideas with Marjorie are rebuffed, leaving Lee feeling dismissed and undervalued.

As she slips away from the party, Lee stumbles upon a hidden bathroom cabinet stocked with an astonishing quantity of discarded toilet paper rolls. Her curiosity piqued, she pilfers several for her own use, only to be met with Marjorie's explanation that each guest is entitled to a full roll - a revelation that sparks Lee's ire and leads her to brand the evening as "batshit." As she makes a hasty exit, Lee's desperation to escape the monotony of her life manifests in an impulsive decision: she swaps one of the party's luxurious coats for her own worn-out garment, a symbol of her struggles to reconcile her creative ambitions with the harsh realities of adulthood.

As Lee settles into her routine at home, she finds solace in revisiting old cinematic gems on television, effortlessly reciting dialogue from memory after repeated viewings. However, her attention is soon diverted to her feline companion, Jersey, who remains unimpressed by the succulent shrimp she attempts to entice him with. A trip to the veterinarian yields a disappointing outcome, as the medical professional is reluctant to examine Jersey due to Lee's outstanding balance of $84, which must be settled before any treatment can commence. In desperation, Lee offers the meager sum of $14 in cash, only to be rebuffed once more.

Back at home, Lee faces another financial hurdle when her landlord brings up her three-month delinquency on rent payments. Despite her recent job loss, she's grateful for his understanding and willingness to grant her some leeway, citing her long-term tenancy and kind treatment of her mother as reasons for his leniency. However, the conversation is soon sidetracked by Lee's growing concern about the unwelcome presence of dead flies in her apartment, which she hopes to have exterminated once she's able to settle her outstanding rent.

Seeking a solution to her financial woes, Lee visits a local used bookstore that purchases books from customers. Unfortunately, the employee on duty is less than cordial, expressing little interest in Lee's extensive collection and offering a paltry sum for only two of the many volumes she's brought along. Frustrated by his dismissive attitude, Lee asks him to make an offer for the remaining titles so she can avoid hauling them back home, only to be met with a suggestion that he'll only pay $2 for the entire lot. The employee's impertinence is compounded when Lee notes that his store actually stocks her books, prompting her to take umbrage and storm out of the establishment.

It's at this juncture that Lee's identity as a writer of biographies is revealed, much to the surprise of the bookstore employee, who promptly reminds her that her latest tome on Estée Lauder has been relegated to the clearance section. Enraged by his tactlessness, Lee unleashes a verbal barrage and exits the store in high dudgeon.

As the evening unfolds, we find Lee (insert name) immersed in a haze of uncertainty, her senses dulled by the familiar comforts of a gay bar. The atmosphere is one of loose connections and hazy recollections, much like her own life. It's here that she encounters Jack Hock (Richard E. Grant), an old acquaintance whose reputation precedes him - whispers of his dubious dealings in the world of substances and commodities circulating through the air like a whispered secret. Their chance meeting is marked by Lee's frustration, stemming from her recent banishment from the very bookstore where her literary aspirations were once nurtured. The shop owner's condescending behavior still lingers, a festering wound that Jack's own tales of woe and mischief manage to momentarily soothe.

As they commiserate over their respective struggles with authority, Lee's thoughts drift back to a party where the evening's festivities were eclipsed by an absurd anecdote - the image of a debauched English gentleman, lost in a sea of intoxication, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. The memory serves as a welcome respite from her troubles, and the two strangers find common ground in their shared laughter.

Their meandering conversation is punctuated by an unexpected encounter with the very bookseller who had so callously dismissed Lee from his shop. Jack's quick thinking allows him to escape the situation unscathed, but not before he scribbles down a name from the resident list - a move that only serves to further fuel Lee's curiosity about her new acquaintance's true circumstances.

As she watches him disappear into the night, Lee is left to ponder the truth behind Jack's claims of living just a few blocks away. Her suspicions are ultimately confirmed when he fails to reappear, leaving her to wonder if his homelessness is more than just a convenient fiction.

The tension between Lee's desire for connection and her deep-seated insecurities simmers just below the surface as she returns to her own world, where a treasured memento from Katharine Hepburn - the subject of one of Lee's own biographies - serves as a poignant reminder of her own creative endeavors. The signed letter becomes an unlikely catalyst, drawing her into a chance encounter with Anna (Dolly Wells), a bookseller who recognizes Lee's name and is privy to the secrets contained within her own written works. As they discuss the value of artistry over commercial success, Anna's astute observation that Lee is not as sentimental as she claims only serves to further complicate the already fragile nature of their connection.

In the hallowed halls of the library, Lee's curiosity gets the better of her as she delves into the life and times of Fanny Brice. Her search yields an unexpected discovery - two handwritten letters penned by the legendary performer herself. The find is shared with Anna at her shop, where Lee reveals that her cousin is a collector willing to part with one of his treasured Fanny Brice letters. However, the initial valuation is underwhelming, pegging the letter's worth at a mere $75 due to its perceived lack of significance.

Undeterred, Lee confides in Anna about her own passion project - a biography on Fanny Brice - which sets off a chain reaction of coincidence. As Anna shares her excitement about the iconic performer, Lee is struck by the synchronicity of events. Meanwhile, the prospect of Tom Clancy's three-million-dollar book advance serves as a jarring reminder of the stark disparity between literary success and financial reward.

Lee storms into Marjorie's office, unannounced, determined to rectify this perceived injustice. She argues that her own work deserves similar recognition, citing the prestige of having a book on the New York Times Best-Seller list. However, Marjorie remains unmoved, attributing Lee's lack of success to three key factors: her perceived uncleanliness and unfriendliness, her reluctance to engage in press interviews and book signings, and the general disinterest in reading biographies about other people.

As Lee returns home, her creative block is palpable as she struggles to conjure meaningful words. It's only when she gazes upon the second Fanny Brice letter that inspiration strikes - or rather, it's inspiration's cousin, a wry observation: "This is me fucking using the typewriter." The insertion of this P.S. into her work serves as a catalyst, unlocking new ideas and perspectives.

With renewed energy, Lee presents Anna with the revised manuscript, which garners a substantial offer due to the priceless humor injected by the P.S. This epiphany sets Lee on a path to capitalize on the lucrative market for literary letters, fueled by Anna's promise to send her way any future offerings from her cousin's collection.

As Lee's financial woes begin to subside, she finds herself with the means to settle her rent arrears, prompting her landlord to suggest calling in an exterminator to rid her apartment of its unwanted pests. On a separate note, Lee's feline companion receives a much-needed medical check-up, and although initially met with some concerning news, is given a clean bill of health provided Lee administers a daily dose of medication via his food. Meanwhile, Lee's eyes land on a sleek new typewriter, which she promptly purchases and puts to good use by composing a letter in the style of Noël Coward. However, she soon discovers that mimicking his signature proves a far more challenging task, until she stumbles upon an innovative solution involving a TV and a carefully placed tracing device.

With this newfound talent, Lee sets her sights on the lucrative world of autograph collecting. She pays a visit to Andre, a connoisseur with connections to collectors in both New York and beyond, who expresses interest in her forged letter and hints at knowing a prominent figure with a keen eye for such literary treasures. Encouraged by this development, Lee celebrates with a luncheon outing to Jack's favorite eatery, where they indulge in some levity as Jack shares a tale of his own entrepreneurial exploits involving a questionable substance.

However, their merriment is short-lived as Lee reveals her true passion project: forging literary letters to turn a profit. Jack, though unimpressed by the concept itself, acknowledges that he has little understanding of the literary world and its intricacies. As they part ways at a payphone, Lee takes the opportunity to exact some revenge on a bookstore owner who had previously been less than courteous towards her, assuming the persona of a woman from the fourth floor (whose identity Jack had uncovered during a previous reconnaissance mission) and informing him that his establishment is ablaze.

Their ploy succeeds in eliciting a panicked response from the bookstore owner, leaving Lee and Jack to enjoy a lively night out at a lounge club where a talented trans singer takes center stage. For Lee, this carefree evening serves as a welcome respite from her previously isolating lifestyle, allowing her to bask in the simple pleasures of socializing and reveling in the company of others.

As they return to Lee's modest abode, the scent of neglect wafts through the air, forcing them to seek refuge on the upper floors. However, their reprieve is short-lived, as the pungent aroma permeates every corner, drawing the attention of an exterminator tasked with eradicating the pesky fly infestation. Embarrassed by the state of her living space, Lee reluctantly agrees to clean up the mess before the exterminator will deign to enter. Jack, ever the gentleman, offers his assistance, and together they uncover a treasure trove of feline waste hidden beneath Lee's bed. The stark reality of her squalid surroundings serves as a poignant reminder of Lee's isolation, which is only temporarily alleviated by the arrival of her first guest in ages - Jack, whose own lack of a fixed abode has led him to seek solace on her couch.

As they venture out to an autograph collector's expo, Lee and Jack find themselves surrounded by literary treasures, including some of Lee's own forgeries. The authenticity of these documents is assured through the issuance of Letters of Authenticity, which serve as a seal of approval from reputable dealers. One such dealer reveals a rare letter penned by Dorothy Parker, priced at a staggering $800 - a sum that prompts Lee and Jack to feign interest in the artifact. Their pretence is short-lived, as they are quickly educated on the importance of verifying the provenance of these valuable items, lest they fall prey to unscrupulous collectors like Alan Schmidt (played by Ben Falcone).

As the days pass, Lee's frustration grows, culminating in a series of heated phone calls. She begins by berating an unsuspecting Elaine, only to be rebuffed when she attempts to reach her agent, who is unavailable. Undeterred, Lee dons a disguise, posing as Nora Ephron to secure an audience with Marjorie - a ruse that yields the desired result.

Lee's fascination with typewriters leads her to acquire several new machines, each assigned to a different literary luminary. She devotes herself to mastering the distinct styles of these authors, pouring her heart and soul into crafting letters that are indistinguishable from their originals. A particularly poignant missive penned in the voice of Dorothy Parker finds its way into Anna's hands, earning her effusive praise and a dinner invitation - a gesture that gradually reveals itself as a romantic overture.

As the evening unfolds, Anna and Lee embark on a dinner date that belies the stark contrasts in their lives. Anna's effervescent charm is evident as she shares the weight of inheriting the bookstore, now filling her existence with mundane routine, a far cry from Lee's adventurous spirit. With unbridled candor, Anna implores Lee to seize the opportunity to write her autobiography before fame and fortune conspire against her, only for Lee to counter with a dose of harsh reality - that once she's gone, no one will care about her legacy or her beloved cat, the sole being she genuinely cherishes. As the conversation meanders, Anna reveals her fledgling writing endeavors, sharing the short story she penned after taking a few creative classes and seeking Lee's honest critique. However, Lee's response is less than encouraging, as she mocks Anna for bringing her work to dinner, her demeanor growing increasingly abrasive as the night wears on. Despite Anna's continued warmth and kindness, Lee's aggression prevails, culminating in a chilly parting as they bid each other farewell.

As the darkness falls, Lee retreats to her sanctuary, immersing herself in the works of a literary giant whose prose she idolizes, seeking inspiration for her own writing. The tome lies abandoned on her lap as her gaze drifts to Anna's short story, adorned with a poignant note: "Lee... Please be kind." For a fleeting moment, Lee hesitates, poised to breach the defenses of Anna's creative vulnerability. Yet, like the protagonist in her beloved book, she ultimately chooses to turn the page, leaving Anna's words unread and unacknowledged, their connection lingering on the periphery of her consciousness like an unresolved note.

As Lee's lucrative forgery racket involving Noël Coward's intimate correspondence continues to flourish, a sudden and unforeseen development threatens to upend her carefully constructed facade. The arrival of an anonymous voicemail expressing concern about the authenticity of her latest literary find prompts Lee to pay a visit to Andre, a collector who has purchased several of her forgeries in the past. Her curiosity piqued by his evident distress, she is informed that one of the letters she sold him has raised serious doubts among collectors and scholars alike, leading to heated debates at a recent convention devoted to Coward's work. The notion that a genuine Noël Coward letter would never have publicly acknowledged his private life sends a shiver down Lee's spine, as Andre warns her that her reputation is on the brink of being irreparably tarnished.

Meanwhile, Lee crosses paths with Alan Schmidt, a typically gullible mark who has fallen prey to her forgeries in the past. However, this time around, Schmidt reveals that he has been approached by the FBI and asked to participate in an undercover sting operation designed to expose Lee's literary forgery ring. Rather than falling victim to her charms once more, Schmidt presents Lee with a stark ultimatum: either she comes up with $5,000 to buy his silence or he will be forced to cooperate with the authorities, bringing her entire operation crashing down around her.

As Lee struggles to find a way to scrape together the necessary funds, the FBI begins to disseminate information to local bookstore owners and collectors, warning them about Lee's dubious activities and advising them to steer clear of her. When Anna, one of Lee's most loyal clients, receives this faxed alert, she is left reeling, her faith in Lee's integrity shattered by the revelation that she has been dealing with a literary forger all along.

As Lee's plans unfold, she is forced to enlist Jack's services once more. This time, Jack takes on the role of a used bookstore peddler, expertly peddling forged letters to unsuspecting owners. His lack of enthusiasm for the literary world allows him to effortlessly spin tales about his supposed acquisitions, leveraging his reputation as a cunning con artist to seal each deal. When Alan makes an offer of $200 for one letter, Jack regales the seller with a story about a Brooklyn shop willing to pay twice that amount - a detail that doesn't quite add up, but his smooth tone and imposing presence help him talk his way out of any suspicion.

Back at her residence, Lee can't help but laugh at the irony of using Alan's own funds to pay for the forged letters, unwittingly perpetuating his blackmail demands. However, upon tallying the money, she discovers that Jack has been dishonest about the total sum he's managed to gather, dipping into their shared profits without her knowledge or consent. Lee feels a deep sense of betrayal and warns Jack never again to pilfer from her.

Meanwhile, Jack tries to offload one of the forged letters to Anna, only to be met with skepticism. She reveals that a string of forgeries has surfaced, and she asks if she can hold onto the letter until an authenticator can verify its legitimacy. Lee's world comes crashing down when she learns about this development - if the letter is found to be a fake, it could serve as damning evidence against her.

In response, Jack proposes stealing a genuine letter and selling it at a premium price, netting them a whopping $5,000. He uses a clever analogy to illustrate his plan, likening it to replacing a tube of toothpaste with an empty one - when the employee checks the shelf, they'll see the box but assume everything is in order, making it a win-win scenario. Lee remains unconvinced, pointing out that stealing from museums and archives is a far cry from simply taking a tube of toothpaste. Jack counters by emphasizing her credentials as a published biographer, suggesting she has the authority to access these valuable letters for research purposes.

As Lee departs the city for a brief sojourn, she entrusts Jack with a series of specific instructions regarding the care of their feline companion: ensuring the cat's medicine is administered through its food and that the water dish remains filled. She also stipulates that he should not occupy her bed during her absence. However, Jack's loyalty to these directives falters when he invites over the charming waiter from their previous encounter, and they succumb to passion in Lee's very own bed. Furthermore, Jack's initial neglect of the cat's needs is palpable, but a subsequent scene reveals him dutifully mixing the medicine into the animal's food.

Meanwhile, at Yale's esteemed libraries, Lee sets her sights on acquiring a (purported) letter from her publisher, ostensibly to facilitate research for her forthcoming biography about authors plagued by drinking problems. Under the watchful eye of a security guard, she transcribes notes from the forged document, only to secretly recreate it in its entirety once back at her hotel. Her subsequent visits to the library are marked by a growing sense of unease, as Lee's interactions with the librarian become increasingly strained and abrupt. During one such encounter, she hastily conceals the genuine research materials within her sock, carefully avoiding detection by the vigilant security guard.

Upon Lee's return home, her jubilant greeting for her feline companion is met with a crushing reality: the cat lies lifeless beneath the couch. Lee's emotional devastation is palpable as she confronts Jack about his recent actions, specifically the uninvited guests who had occupied her bed during her absence. Jack attempts to downplay the situation, attributing the tragedy to an unforeseen accident rather than any fault of his own. However, Lee's anguish is too profound to be assuaged by such rationalizations, and she commands him to vacate her premises with a vehemence that brooks no argument.

As Lee enters the veterinarian's office, a familiar setting where she typically brings in her feline companion, it's clear something is amiss. The normally stoic vet senses the weight of her emotions as she holds a shoebox and struggles to contain her despair. Lee reveals the tragic truth: she has no backyard to bury her beloved cat, Jersey, whom she's lost after years of companionship. With a heavy heart, the vet offers to take care of the arrangements.

Later, Lee meets Elaine in the park, a chance encounter that sparks a mixture of emotions. It's been 12 years since Elaine gifted Lee with Jersey, and now Lee is forced to confront the harsh reality of her cat's passing. Tears streaming down her face, Lee confides in Elaine about the sense of desolation she feels without her feline companion by her side. Elaine's words of condolence are laced with a hint of warning, reminding Lee that they parted ways due to her challenging nature.

The weight of Lee's loss is compounded as she seeks out Jack at the same gay bar where their paths first crossed. Her tone is firm but tinged with desperation as she expresses distrust towards him, recalling his earlier attempts to pilfer from her. However, she reveals that she has acquired authentic Lillian Hellman letters and needs someone trustworthy to help her capitalize on this literary treasure trove.

Lee implores Jack to respect the historical significance of the letters, emphasizing their importance in the literary world as a tangible link to the past. She warns him that if he tries to negotiate for a lower price, she'll be forced to find another buyer willing to pay top dollar. Jack's decision to sell the letters to a bookseller for an inflated sum ($300 each) is met with a knowing nod by the vendor, who recognizes the underpricing.

As Lee's dealings with Jack come to light, the FBI takes notice, inquiring about her potential crimes. Jack's nonchalant response to their accusation that he must have taken a small cut from Lee belies any hint of involvement or complicity. The juxtaposition of these events serves as a poignant reminder of Lee's isolation and desperation, highlighting the fragility of her emotional state.

As the hours tick away at the gay bar, Lee's anticipation of Jack's return with the proceeds from the authentic letters becomes increasingly tinged with desperation. Her usual inclination towards intoxication is amplified as she struggles to reconcile her expectations with reality. Just as it seems like all hope is lost, the uninvited presence of the FBI bursts into the scene, bearing a subpoena that shatters Lee's fragile sense of calm. The agents' stern warning not to destroy any evidence that might be crucial in the case only serves to heighten her anxiety.

Back at home, Lee unleashes a cathartic display of defiance, ripping apart her notes and gathering up all her typewriters before carelessly tossing them into a distant trash can. This symbolic act of destruction is a desperate attempt to purge herself of the guilt that threatens to consume her.

As she navigates the treacherous landscape of legal counsel, Lee's lawyer presents her with a stark choice: shape up or ship out. His advice is crystal clear: find any job whatsoever, demonstrate a willingness to earn an honest living; volunteer her services at a children's charity (a prospect that seems to sicken her); and enroll in AA meetings as a token of her commitment to reform.

When the day of reckoning arrives in court, Lee's lawyer stands before the judge, boasting about his client's newfound dedication to the straight and narrow. With proud precision, he details Lee's new career as a copy editor at Scholastic Books, her volunteer work at a cat shelter, and her regular attendance at AA meetings. The judge requests a final comment from Lee before delivering her verdict, and in a bold stroke of candor, Lee reveals that she still can't muster any genuine remorse for her past misdeeds. For her, the act of recreating witty retorts by beloved writers was a labor of love, a creative outlet that brought her unparalleled joy.

Lee's statement is met with an air of surprise and a hint of admiration from the judge, who seems to appreciate her unapologetic honesty. As punishment for her crimes, Lee is sentenced to five years' probation, with the added stipulation that she serve six months under house arrest - except, of course, when she's permitted to venture out for work and AA meetings.

As the seasons unfold, Lee's circumstances have undergone a profound transformation. Her once-luminous complexion has given way to a sallow pallor, and she now relies on a cane to steady her gait. The weight of her past misdeeds hangs heavy, as evidenced by her probationary status, a direct consequence of her involvement in Lee's criminal endeavors. Despite the urgings of her sponsor, Anna, Lee finds herself drawn to the temptation of a barroom encounter with Jack (perhaps the same individual who has been at the receiving end of her literary forgeries?). This clandestine meeting serves as an opportunity for Lee to indulge in her vices and confront the demons that have haunted her.

Meanwhile, Lee's creative wellspring begins to stir once more. Inspired by Anna's suggestion that she write about her own experiences forging letters, Lee decides to craft a memoir that chronicles her life as a literary forger. Her narrative will be woven around her tumultuous relationships with those who have played a significant role in her life, including Jack. As she navigates the complexities of her past, Lee's thoughts turn to Jack, whose own struggles are underscored by his fragile health and impending mortality.

Lee's writing process takes on a new dimension as she eschews her trusty typewriter for the cutting-edge technology of a computer. This innovative tool becomes an extension of her artistic expression as she sets out to craft "Can You Ever Forgive Me: Memoirs of a Literary Forger." Her newfound creative freedom is mirrored by the arrival of a playful kitten, whose curious nature and Jersey-like appearance bring a touch of levity to Lee's life.

As Lee strolls past a local bookstore, her eyes land on one of her forged letters attributed to Dorothy Parker. A mix of emotions courses through her veins as she ponders the irony of this particular piece being displayed for all to see. Her curiosity gets the better of her, and she enters the store, engaging in a conversation with the owner about the letter's authenticity. The bookseller's assurance that only those familiar with Dorothy Parker's unique voice would recognize its genuineness sends Lee on a new creative tangent.

With her writer's instincts piqued, Lee sets out to craft a forgery that rivals the original in terms of wit and charm. She pens a letter as if from beyond the grave, with Dorothy Parker's signature caustic humor and poise. The bookshop owner's subsequent discovery of the forgery serves only to heighten his appreciation for the writing itself, leading him to rehang the display piece with an air of reverence.

As the curtain closes on this poignant tale, a series of vignettes emerges, offering glimpses into the lives of those whose stories have captivated us throughout. We learn that Lee (Melissa McCarthy) was a master forger, having created an astonishing 400 fake letters, some of which managed to infiltrate even the most reputable of sources – in this case, a 2007 biography on Noël Coward – until their authenticity was finally exposed and corrected in subsequent reprints. Meanwhile, the life of Jack Hock (Richard E. Grant) comes full circle, his later years marked by a poignant stay at a gay men's shelter.

In another surprising twist, we discover that Nora Ephron, renowned author and filmmaker, felt compelled to intervene, issuing Lee a stern "cease and desist" order to put an end to her impersonating Ephron on the phone. And yet, despite these controversies, Lee's own memoir, Can You Ever Forgive Me?: Memoirs of a Literary Forger, garnered praise from the esteemed pages of The New York Times.

As a poignant tribute to Lee Israel, whose passing in 2014 left an indelible mark on those who knew her, the film is dedicated to her memory – a testament to the complex, multifaceted individual she was.