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Podcasts The Frame
Marielle Heller pulls off a directing feat with 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?'
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Episode 19150
Listen • 27:00
Marielle Heller pulls off a directing feat with 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?'

The director had the unenviable task of making sure Melissa McCarthy was an unsympathetic character in the new movie; Disney's challenge to promote princesses in a changing culture.
Director Marielle Heller, left, with Melissa McCarthy on the set of "Can You Ever Forgive Me?"
Director Marielle Heller, left, with Melissa McCarthy on the set of "Can You Ever Forgive Me?"
(
Mary Cybulski
)

On today's show:

The challenge of turning a likable actress into a grump

(Starts at 8:30)

Marielle Heller talks about directing Melissa McCarthy in "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" — a film about the bitter writer and literary forger Lee Israel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvJIaNsf_bY

Promoting princesses in a changing culture

(Starts at 1:15)

For nearly 20 years, Disney employees have debated how far the company should go in updating its heroines for the modern age. The crux: How do you keep princesses relevant without alienating fans who hold fast to the versions they grew up with? Billions of dollars of revenue — dolls, sequels, stage shows and dresses—hang on getting that balance right. Erich Schwartzel of the Wall Street Journal talks about Disney's strategy.