As a seasoned moviegoer who has witnessed the silver screen evolution from the days of black-and-white reels to the high-definition spectacles we enjoy today, I must say that “Lee” is a cinematic gem worth savoring. This biographical drama masterfully captures the spirit and grit of its extraordinary subject, Lee Miller – a woman who defied conventions and left an indelible mark on history.
For a while now, Kate Winslet has been igniting the creative spirit surrounding Lee, the subject of an upcoming biopic. Even before the project was fully developed, Winslet reached out to Tony Penrose, son of Lee Miller and Roland Penrose. She was curious as to why no film had been made about his acclaimed mother. Tony Penrose mentioned that numerous attempts had been made, and there was a collection of unused screenplays for potential films in the attic. According to reports, he told Winslet that various writers struggled to grasp Lee’s essence, hinting at the challenges in capturing her character.
Winslet took charge of the project initially, and when director Ellen Kuras stepped in, it was evident that the movie was under capable hands. Kuras is renowned for her cinematography awards, notably for her work on films like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “Summer of Sam,” and “The Betrayal.” In this project, she demonstrates artistic authenticity, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the early 20th century, particularly the 1940s. This gives the film a dreamlike quality at times, bordering on a fever dream, which turns out to be beneficial as the writers, Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, and John Collee opt for a traditional biopic structure.
Leading the production is the mesmerizing Kate Winslet, who never fails to impress. Starring alongside her in this captivating film are Josh O’Connor (known for his work in ‘Players’), Andrea Riseborough (‘The Handmaid’s Tale’), Alexander Skarsgård (‘Big Little Lies’), Marion Cotillard (‘Inception’), and Andy Samberg, delivering a moving and impactful performance as David E. Scherman, Miller’s companion. Winslet portrays Miller, a bold and outspoken photographer with unwavering convictions, who can appear steel-like at times due to her complex character.
Stellar Directing and Performances Elevate the Biopic
The screenplay by writers Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, and John Collee provides an engaging, textbook-style storyline in the film “Lee.” Liz Hannah, executive producer of “The Dropout” and showrunner for “The Girl from Plainville“, brings her exceptional talent to the project, making her an ideal collaborator for Hume. Hume’s documentary, “Capturing Lee Miller“, lends solid foundations for the story’s development. On the other hand, Collee, who has written the screenplay for “Monkey Man“, skillfully creates suspense and excitement for viewers.
Lee is deliberately kept grounded, and she’s direct, which makes Kuras’s cinematic vision and Winslet’s enthusiasm for the project an even more delicious element in the recipe. Lending credibility to this outstanding production is that the work was based on the biography “The Lives of Lee Miller,” written by her son, Antony Penrose. Additionally, access was granted to Miller’s personal archives. It’s amazing to consider how much effort and dedication were poured into making this film, and thankfully, all that hard work pays off.
At the beginning of the movie, Lee candidly admits to the inquisitive reporter, portrayed by Josh O’Connor: “I was quite skilled at drinking, romantic encounters, and photography. I indulged in these activities as often as possible.” This scene portrays Lee as bold, somewhat blunt, and seemingly unfazed by the gravity of sharing her experiences.
Eventually, she yields, leading us to be hurled back into the past. In this era, Miller is determinedly challenging societal standards, striving to follow her dreams instead of conforming to a predefined mold. She transitions from being a model to a photographer, forming a strong alliance with Vogue editor Audrey Withers, portrayed by Andrea Riseborough. As we glide through her relationship with English artist, historian, and poet Roland Penrose, played by Alexander Skarsgård, the actors skillfully bring their connection to life on screen, making it seem authentic and compelling.
Lee Finds its Groove in World War II
The movie finds its authentic creative pulse when Miller decides to venture into the heart of World War II battlefields, determined to photograph the war. Disregarding a law that barred British women from entering an active combat zone, Miller undertakes her mission with Life magazine photographer David Scherman (portrayed by Andy Samberg). It’s 1944, and with the risk level sky-high and the Nazi threat looming, they bravely press on.
In an unexpected turn of events, Kate Winslet and Jorma Tacke (Samberg’s character) make a convincing duo, standing out among recent historical drama pairings. Their mutual admiration is evident throughout. Armed with her Rolleiflex camera and credentials from British Vogue, we journey through Lee’s experiences, navigating turbulent events – from the unrest in Paris, the fear in Hungary, to the destruction in Munich. The director skillfully blends these episodes, occasionally transporting us back to the 1970s, where the writer delves into Miller’s stunning photographs.
Lee Is the Biopic to See This Season
Multiple sequences carry a strong emotional impact, such as Miller and Scherman’s visit to Buchenwald concentration camp, which remains deeply moving. Other scenes depict them examining the bodies inside boxcars, creating a powerful and striking cinematic experience. Additionally, there is a scene where they enter Hitler’s apartment following Germany’s surrender, shedding light on the story behind Miller’s famous photograph of her sitting nude in Hitler’s bathtub; it was actually Scherman who captured that image.
At a certain point, the overwhelming nature of everything becomes impossible to endure. One particularly poignant scene, where Scherman collapses in Miller’s embrace, stands out as one of the film’s most powerful moments. In this instance, Miller, known for his strength and resilience, is unable to withstand the weight of what has transpired. Furthermore, Samberg, who consistently portrays his character with restraint, achieves a career milestone in this role.
In a sea of biographical films this season, “Lee” stands out as a must-watch. Winslet’s portrayal of Miller is remarkable for its subtlety. She conveys a wealth of emotion through her facial expressions, eye contact, reactions, and even the way she takes a quick puff of her cigarette. This performance is truly deserving of accolades. The film benefits greatly from an exceptional ensemble cast – Winslet, Skarsgård, Andrea Riseborough, and Samberg – and the character’s historical importance makes “Lee” – both the person and the movie – a truly unforgettable experience.
Lee
opens in theaters September 27.
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2024-09-27 23:31