“Lee” Review
I had high expectations for Lee, and I’m thrilled to say it delivered on every level. This film isn’t just a biopic; it’s a masterful portrait of an extraordinary woman navigating a world that often sought to overlook her talents. Kate Winslet was the perfect choice to bring Lee Miller to life, portraying her with a depth and nuance that captures both her strength and vulnerability. Lee Miller was an exceptionally difficult character to embody, given her multifaceted life as a model, muse, war correspondent, and artist. Winslet rose to the challenge, imbuing the character with a fierce determination and humanity that feels both timeless and achingly contemporary.
One aspect of Winslet’s performance that stands out is her willingness to fully embrace the rawness and authenticity of Lee Miller’s life, including the significant amount of nudity in the film. These scenes aren’t gratuitous; instead, they feel deeply connected to Miller’s own uninhibited nature and her work as a model and artist. The nudity underscores her defiance of societal expectations and her unflinching commitment to self-expression, making it a bold and fitting choice for the story.
Miller was truly a renaissance woman, her expertise spanning glamour, couture, design, and photography, among countless other fields. Yet, it was her groundbreaking work as a photojournalist during World War II that cements her place in history. The film does an excellent job of showcasing her courage and resilience, particularly in documenting the harrowing realities of the Nazi concentration camps. In an era when the world was unprepared to accept a woman with a camera, Miller’s contributions to the visual cataloging of Nazi atrocities were largely ignored during her lifetime, only gaining the recognition they deserved long after her death.
The cinematography and direction of Lee are equally stunning, reflecting Miller’s own photographic eye with a visual style that feels like a series of her iconic images brought to life. The supporting cast complements Winslet beautifully, and the screenplay doesn’t shy away from exploring Miller’s complexities, from her struggles with trauma to her fierce independence and artistic vision.
Lee isn’t just a tribute to an extraordinary woman; it’s a powerful reminder of the unsung heroes who shaped our understanding of history through their courage and art. This film left me inspired, moved, and deeply appreciative of Lee Miller’s indelible legacy.
