So glad you shared this with us! I hadn't heard anything of the story (book/film) and it is compelling, in part because of how well you've written up the story.
Forgeries are such an interesting thing. They get right at the heart of that ever-present question: "what is the value of art?"
I kind of love that she was unapologetic about it. It reminds me a tiny bit of The Man Who Loved Books Too Much.
The advances that Lee Israel received for planned biographies of attorney Roy Cohn and actress Vanessa Redgrave became to her to be a dread. Both subjects, in their singular ways, put an end to those projects and Lee became the equivalent of a literary indentured servant to publishers. Getting paid for anything became harder.
Thanks for this interesting essay, Kate. I enjoyed the film and may seek it out again.
Such an interesting story. It makes me want to read her faked letters to see if they're really that good!
I know, right?! They must have been something to have fooled so many people!
Compromising ethical standards in pursuit of commercial success is one of the things we humans do with great ease!
Indeed!
So glad you shared this with us! I hadn't heard anything of the story (book/film) and it is compelling, in part because of how well you've written up the story.
Forgeries are such an interesting thing. They get right at the heart of that ever-present question: "what is the value of art?"
I kind of love that she was unapologetic about it. It reminds me a tiny bit of The Man Who Loved Books Too Much.
Thanks, Kathryn. It is such an interesting story and makes you almost root for her as she's so cut off from the literary world she loves.
The part about her advance strikes a sympathetic chord too
The advances that Lee Israel received for planned biographies of attorney Roy Cohn and actress Vanessa Redgrave became to her to be a dread. Both subjects, in their singular ways, put an end to those projects and Lee became the equivalent of a literary indentured servant to publishers. Getting paid for anything became harder.
This film blindsided me as I didn’t have high hopes but it was just brilliant. Great write up.
Thanks!
Thank you for such an interesting story. I need to check out the film now!
Thanks! Definitely check it out :)
Very interesting. I'll need to check the movie out. Thanks.
It’s a really interesting watch :)
What a fascinating story. I really enjoyed your nuanced account of it. I might have to watch that film now.
Thanks, Joanna! I had never come across it before and found it a really interesting watch.
I really enjoyed this movie. I need to watch it again!
It’s so good!