A Portrait of Persistence and Power

Read Time:3 Minute, 48 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Lee
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Genre: Drama, Epic, Biography, History, War
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 57m
Director(s): Ellen Kuras
Writer(s): Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, John Collee
Cast: Kate Winslet, Josh O’Connor, Andrea Riseborough, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgård, Marion Cotillard
Where To Watch: in theaters nationwide on September 27, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Kate Winslet's transformation into Lee Miller, a woman who was more than just the eyes behind a camera but was on the front line in some of history's most hostile environments. LEE is not just another wartime drama; under Ellen Kuras’s directorial eye, the film elegantly pivots from the artistic vibrancy of French salons to the gut-wrenching battlefields of World War II, framing a narrative that's as much about personal defiance as it is about historical documentation. One can’t help but see how Alex Garland's CIVL WAR drew inspiration from Miller’s life as we see Kirsten Dunst play Lee Smith, a war photographer.

LEE presents a multi-layered journey through various aspects of Miller's life, from her days mingling with artistic giants to the harrowing times embedded within war's chaos. Her evolution from a celebrated model to a fearless war photographer marks a series of transformations, enriched by her interactions with pivotal characters like Roland Penrose and David Scherman, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård and Andy Samberg, respectively. These interactions, woven throughout the narrative, lend a complex texture to the film.

From cinematographer to the director's chair, Kuras crafts LEE with a rich palette that underscores the narrative’s emotional tones. Using interviews as a narrative device adds layers of reflection, juxtaposing an older, wiser Miller against her younger self navigating the direst circumstances of the 1940s.

As Miller’s journey takes her closer to the frontlines, the film’s tone shifts to accommodate the severe realities of war, including encounters with the horrors of Nazi concentration camps. Winslet’s portrayal deepens, capturing the profound impact of these experiences on Miller's psyche. Her famous photograph in Hitler’s bathtub emerges not just as a bold statement but as a poignant reminder of the contradictions of war. The film bridges these historical moments with the present, blending actual photographs with reenacted moments to striking effect.

Supporting performances from Skarsgård, Samberg, and Marion Cotillard as Solange D'Ayen add significant weight to the unfolding drama. However, I would have liked to have seen the narrative tighten up; it felt like too many threads without enough focus. The film also delves into Miller’s post-war life, touching on her struggles with trauma and her legacy through a treasure trove of her unpublished works, highlighting the personal costs of her professional endeavors.

While LEE paints an unforgettable portrait of a formidable 20th-century figure, it sometimes falls into the typical biopic pitfalls, with pacing that occasionally drags, only to find its momentum in the final act.

LEE emerges as a compelling tribute that celebrates Lee Miller's pioneering contributions to photography and underscores her significant personal sacrifices. Kuras and Winslet collaboratively breathe life into Miller’s story, ensuring it resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impression. The film navigates through biographical ups and downs to offer a fresh perspective on the intersection of art, history, and the profound truths of human conflict.

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[photo courtesy of ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS, VERTICAL]

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