Movie Review: Kate Winslet's 'Lee' is a Lesson in Determination
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Sunday, 29 September 2024 12:40
- Written by Lupe R Haas
LEE star and producer, Kate Winslet turns in a riveting performance as Miller whose experience as a World War II photojournalist broke her free spirit. .
Inspired by the biography "The Lives of Lee Miller" by her son, Antony Penrose, LEE chronicles Miller's experience while documenting the war on the frontlines.
We're introduced to Lee, a former fashion model turned photojournalist, enjoying a topless picnic in 1940s Paris with her well-to-do friends. The unapologetic and independent woman is a force to be reckoned with and is not deterred by rejection.
Despite being denied the position as a war correspondent solely based on her gender, Lee finds a way to the frontlines with a fellow journalist played by Andy Samberg. Once on the frontlines, she's faced with more discrimination but eventually wins over the respect of generals who allow her access to disturbing scenes of war and genocide. The experience changes her after witnessing and photographing the brutality of the Nazi regime.
Winslet genuinely embodies Miller. She's abrasive and judgemental, not demure as most women of the period are portrayed. However, first-time feature film director Ellen Kuras, a former cinematographer (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND), and screenwriters Liz Hannah, along with Marion Hume and John Collee, balance Miller's determination with some humbling moments with Miller knowing her place in society. When she arrives at a military base, the general forbids Miller from joining troops on the frontlines because women journalists are not allowed. Instead of fighting that order, the photojournalist captures personal moments with injured soldiers and other women on the base. Eventually, she is allowed to travel with the troops and shows no fear in harrowing moments although she's rattled emotionally by the human suffering.
The supporting cast is memorable with Andrea Riseborough as Miller's Vogue editor and friend, Alexander Skarsgard as her boyfriend, and a low-key and serious Samberg.
As a former cinematographer, Kuras plays with tonal variations. Warm colors dominate the film's early portion when introduced to the characters. During the heartbreaking scenes of war, the colors shift to an achromatic gray that sets the mood for the horrific images of the Jewish genocide.
The only complaint is the twist at the end which makes you question the validity of the film's events.
LEE is a lesson in determination and will but also an opportunity to learn about a woman who paved the way for other female war correspondents.
Directed by Ellen Kuras
Written by Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, John Collee
Produced by Kate Solomon, Kate Winslet, Troy Lum, Andrew Mason, Marie Savare, Lauren Hantz
Starring Kate Winslet, Josh O’Connor, Andrea Riseborough, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgård, Marion Cotillard