REVIEW: “Lee” (2024)

As a cinephile with a penchant for biographical dramas that delve deep into the lives of extraordinary women, I can wholeheartedly say that “Lee” is a cinematic gem that should not be missed. The film’s meticulous attention to detail and its nuanced portrayal of Lee Miller, brilliantly brought to life by Kate Winslet, make for an unforgettable viewing experience.


In the year 2024, the impact of the acclaimed American photographer, photojournalist, and war correspondent Lee Miller continues to resonate. Previously, she served as a source of inspiration for Kirsten Dunst’s character in Alex Garland’s “Civil War”. Now, she takes center stage in Ellen Kuras’ film “Lee”, a biographical drama that revolves around the life of this remarkable woman. The movie is based on the book “The Lives of Lee Miller” written by her son, Antony Penrose.

In a compelling display, Kate Winslet delivers a mesmerizing portrayal as the main character in the film. Her deep-rooted interest in Lee Miller’s life story is clearly depicted throughout her acting, and she even took on the role of producer for the project. Winslet and Kuras had previously collaborated in 2004’s “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”. In their latest endeavor, “Lee”, they embarked on a distinctively different journey – one that has been in development for eight long years. Their efforts bore fruit as “Lee” is an engaging, skillfully acted, and beautifully filmed production that effectively encapsulates this intriguing personality.

REVIEW: “Lee” (2024)

The screenwriting team of Liz Hannah, John Collee, and Marion Hume crafted a story with a diverse array of characters, many of whom are inspired by real individuals from Miller’s personal history. Alongside Winslet, the movie boasts an impressive ensemble consisting of Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough, Alexander Skarsgård, Josh O’Connor, Andy Samberg, and Noémie Merlant. Each actor brings life to various facets of Miller’s extraordinary existence.

The film is structured around an interview conducted by a young, idealistic journalist (O’Connor) with an older Lee Miller (Winslet) in 1977. This narrative technique isn’t essential to the story but provides some touching moments. During the interview, we meet the younger version of Lee, who was previously a model turned lively socialite hanging out with her friends in France in 1938. It is during this time that she encounters and falls for Roland Penrose (Skarsgård), a British artist and curator.

Roland persuades Lee to move with him to London, where they establish their lives together. Lee lands a job as a photographer for British Vogue magazine under editor Audrey Withers (Riseborough). However, as the Second World War escalates, Lee’s life takes a turn. She learns that her friends in France are compelled to hide due to Nazi occupation of Paris. Shortly after, London experiences German bombings. This prompts Roland, who is a conscientious objector, to sign up as an air raid warden and camouflage artist.

As the fellows marched off to battlefields, I was left behind, but not me – I yearned to document the raw truths of war as a photographer. Yet my aspirations were met with skepticism from my magazine and even the British authorities. However, I refused to be deterred and eventually found myself in the heart of the conflict. It was there that I forged an alliance with Life magazine’s correspondent David Scherman (an outstanding performance by Samberg). Together we traversed the devastated landscapes of Europe, capturing images of field hospitals, fierce combat in Saint-Malo, the triumphant liberation of Paris, tragic suicide pacts in Leipzig, and the chilling horrors of Dachau concentration camp.

REVIEW: “Lee” (2024)

Winslet and Kuras skillfully depict the complex character of Lee Miller. They portray her as a driven and resilient individual, yet one who can also be blunt and impulsive. Her straightforwardness sometimes borders on harshness, as she often disregards opinions or ideas that don’t align with hers. Yet, it is this very tenacity that empowers her to overcome countless obstacles in her path. Crucially, Winslet brings a human touch to Lee by infusing humor, sensitivity, and emotion into her portrayal.

“The captivating elements of ‘Lee’ include how Kuras constructs entire scenes based on some of Miller’s famous images, such as hanging out with friends in Mougins, France and bathing in Hitler’s bathtub. Other scenes are so emotionally charged that we can only watch in quiet discomfort. These scenes offer a comprehensive understanding of who Lee Miller was. And Winslet’s award-worthy acting is just the cherry on top. ‘Lee’ will be released in theaters on September 27th.

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2024-09-26 18:56