The question that looms over war correspondents is a profound one: “Why?” What compels them to venture into chaos, to confront the raw suffering of humanity? This query forms the backbone of “Lee,” a poignant biopic centered on the iconic photographer Lee Miller, who documented the horrors of the Holocaust for *Vogue* during World War II.
‘Lee’ (2024) – A Powerful Portrait of WWII Photographer Lee Miller
Set against the backdrop of 1977, the film introduces us to a seasoned Miller (Kate Winslet), who engages in a tense interview with a young writer (Josh O’Connor). As he probes into her life, the audience is drawn into her remarkable yet tumultuous journey—a life marked by brilliance, trauma, and resilience.
Before the war, Miller was already a force to be reckoned with: a celebrated model and a fine art photographer who had made her mark in New York City and Paris. However, as the specter of Hitler’s regime looms, she transitions into a war correspondent, seeking to capture not just images but the stark realities of conflict and suffering.
Winslet, who also produced the film, has spent nearly a decade bringing this project to fruition, collaborating closely with Antony Penrose, Miller’s son, and drawing inspiration from his biography, The Lives of Lee Miller. The screenplay, crafted with care, weaves together different phases of Miller’s life, with a focus on her experiences during and after the war.
Ellen Kuras, in her directorial debut, utilizes her background as a cinematographer to emphasize the unique perspective of women in wartime. Miller’s story is not just about surviving war but about finding purpose in her work. She delves into the experiences of women affected by conflict, often overlooked in a male-dominated narrative.
While the film showcases Miller’s famous relationships—like her marriage to artist Roland Penrose (played by Alexander Skarsgård)—it primarily highlights her friendships and professional partnerships. Among them is Davy Scherman, portrayed by Andy Samberg in a surprising yet compelling dramatic role. Their chemistry provides a warm counterpoint to the film’s darker themes, as Davy becomes a trusted ally in Miller’s relentless pursuit of truth amidst chaos.
One of the film’s most striking sequences follows Miller and Scherman as they witness the harrowing aftermath of Hitler’s regime: the chilling remnants of genocide, the haunting silence of concentration camps, and the stark reality of war’s impact on humanity. In this context, Miller captures an iconic image of herself bathing in Hitler’s bathtub—a powerful act of defiance that speaks volumes about her resilience and the absurdity of power in the face of overwhelming suffering.
Winslet delivers a tour de force performance, embodying Miller’s complexity with grace. She masterfully portrays a woman hardened by her experiences yet deeply vulnerable. The film culminates in a heartfelt confession that unravels the layers of Miller’s character, shedding light on her motivations and struggles.
“Lee” is more than just a biopic; it’s a powerful exploration of a woman who defied the odds in a male-dominated field, capturing the brutal realities of war with an artist’s eye and a journalist’s heart. While it adheres to familiar biopic tropes, it does so with a refreshing perspective, honoring the pioneering spirit of its subject.
