Lee – REVIEW

Lee – REVIEW

As a cinephile with a penchant for biopics and a soft spot for strong-willed women who defy societal norms, I must say that Lee, starring the ever-brilliant Kate Winslet, is a film that truly resonated with me.


The focus isn’t on Lee Majors, the character from “The Six Million Dollar Man,” or Lee Harvey Oswald, the presidential assassin, but instead on Lee Miller, a trailblazing and progressive female war correspondent. Unlike those figures, she is the subject of the self-titled film featuring Kate Winslet in the lead role. This project has been a long-standing interest for the actress, with development beginning in 2015, followed by various writers involved since its announcement.

Initially portrayed as a woman of partying, romance, and photography, Miller’s life story is remarkably similar to our Editor, albeit without the explicit elements. However, she was much more than just that, skillfully depicted by Winslet. She was a strong-willed, persistent feminist and an accomplished photographer who, driven by her own ambition, started working for British Vogue. There, she crossed swords with waspish Cecil Beaton and engaged in conflict with Editor Audrey Withers.

However, with the advent of World War II, Miller’s perspective shifts, and she begins to recognize that her work could be more than mere aesthetics. Despite being barred by the UK from entering war zones, the US grants her permission. The images she captures grow progressively harrowing, deeply affecting her mental state in response to the brutalities of war. What is perhaps most troubling is her investigation into the fate of thousands who seemed to have vanished without a trace. The discoveries she makes and the photographs she takes continue to stir discomfort and distress, just as they did then.

In this rephrased version: The movie “Miller’s Story” features Andy Samberg as US war photographer David Scherman, who joins Miller on her exploration of the horrors of war zones. Interestingly, Samberg is known more for his comedic roles, but he delivers a compelling performance here. The film employs a structure of flashbacks between 1977 conversations with Anthony Penrose (Josh O’Connor) and Miller’s WWII experiences. While the movie follows a typical biopic format that could also work as a documentary, it is Winslet’s captivating performance that truly sets it apart. Andrea Riseborough, an actress who seamlessly adapts to various roles, provides strong support, with her diverse acting resume encompassing horror, musicals, and drama. Alexander Skarsgard portrays Miller’s British husband, and Marion Cotillard plays a French friend, both offering solid performances as well.

Lee Miller, often cited in ‘Civil War’ as a significant role model for Kirsten Dunst’s character, was a photographer whose life and career were extraordinary and trailblazing. While her life serves as an inspiration, the film about her life might be informative but tends to follow a predictable pattern.

Here’s the Lee trailer…..

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2024-09-11 02:23