Review: ‘Lee’ and star Kate Winslet bring the WWII photojournalist to hardened, complex life

As a seasoned movie-goer with a penchant for biographical dramas and a soft spot for strong-willed women, I must say that “Lee” has left an indelible mark on me. This film is not just another war-time tale, but a deeply moving exploration of the life of a remarkable woman who dared to challenge the status quo.

In the movie focusing on a war correspondent, one significant query that arises is “Why?” Why do they act as they do? Why are they persistent, continually seeking, putting themselves in the midst of war’s pain? This question lies at the heart of the latest biopic, “Lee,” which portrays the life and work of renowned photographer Lee Miller, who documented some of the most lasting images of the Holocaust as a Vogue reporter during World War II. This question is posed by a young man (Josh O’Connor) interrogating a somewhat abrasive Miller (Kate Winslet) about her life and career at her English residence in 1977, trying to draw out deeper responses than her typical witty retorts.

As I delve into this cinematic masterpiece, I find myself captivated by the intriguing narrative that unfolds, focusing on a pivotal phase in the extraordinary life of a woman named Miller. Her life, brimming with vibrancy and adventure, stretches far beyond the confines of the story’s framing device, both before and after significant historical events.

Kate Winslet, not only playing the lead role but also being one of its producers, has spent nine years meticulously developing the film “Lee.” She collaborated with Antony Penrose, the son of Miller and author of the book “The Lives of Lee Miller,” which served as the basis for the screenplay penned by Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, John Collee, with Lem Dobbs contributing a story idea. The script follows a conventional biopic structure but incorporates an innovative twist inspired by Penrose’s personal insights into his mother’s complex life.

Ellen Kuras, an acclaimed cinematographer, TV director, and documentary filmmaker who was nominated for an Oscar, is making her first appearance as a narrative feature film director with “Lee.” Kuras has been acquainted with Winslet since she filmed “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” and her career in cinematography aligns perfectly with the theme of the female perspective during wartime. Miller deliberately focuses on women in war, not only because she’s frequently excluded from male-dominated areas but also because she feels an irresistible pull towards them. This focus eventually becomes a significant part of her artistic and journalistic endeavors.

Despite the frequent discussions about her scandalous relationships (notably Marion Cotillard and Noemi Merlant portraying Lee’s French confidantes, while Alexander Skarsgard plays her husband, Roland Penrose), a significant portion of “Lee” focuses on her professional connections and close friendships. Additionally, Andrea Riseborough appears as Audrey Withers, Lee’s editor and staunch supporter at Vogue, and Andy Samberg takes on his first dramatic role as Davy Scherman, a jovial New York photographer who collaborates with Lee in their journalistic endeavors across war zones in France and Germany.

Samberg shines with a soft yet profound portrayal in this role. His acting is deeply touching. Winslet’s character, Lee, exhibits immense courage and daring, embodying a force that nature seems to have created. Despite her own apprehensions and vulnerabilities, she finds solace in Davy, an exceptional man whom she trusts. As the liberation of France in 1944 unfolds, Lee learns about missing individuals, prompting them to venture deep into Germany towards the end of the war. Their journey takes them closer to the harsh truth about the Holocaust, with Winslet’s character tirelessly pursuing the truth.

In the movie, a powerful scene unfolds where “Lee” is deeply involved in recording the devastation left behind by Hitler’s regime, including suicide pacts, heaps of dead bodies, concentration camps, and the suffering of prisoners and victims. This sequence culminates in Lee capturing an iconic photo of herself bathing in Hitler’s bathtub, one of her most recognized images. Within the context of the film, this act is symbolically significant, as it represents a way to humiliate or assert dominance over Hitler in a uniquely female manner, given the intimate and feminine nature of the image.

Once again, Kate Winslet delivers an exceptional performance, capturing Lee’s rough, no-nonsense character convincingly, hiding a deep wound beneath her tough exterior. In a poignant confession, this wound is revealed, shedding light on every previous action. This thought-provoking biopic may follow a familiar structure, but the trailblazing woman it portrays was far from traditional.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2024-09-26 20:31