Kate Winslet is set to captivate audiences once again, this time by bringing to life the story of Lee Miller, a trailblazing World War II photojournalist, in the upcoming biopic “Lee.” The film, directed by Ellen Kuras, is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024, and promises to delve deep into the life and career of Miller, a former model who transformed into a fearless war correspondent.
The first trailer for “Lee,” released by Roadside Attractions and Vertical, offers a glimpse into Miller’s harrowing experiences on the front lines. Winslet, an Academy Award winner, portrays Miller with a blend of determination and vulnerability, capturing the essence of a woman who defied societal norms to document the brutal realities of war.
The film’s narrative begins in the late 1930s, as Nazi Germany’s influence in Europe grows. During this period, Miller is involved in a relationship with art dealer Roland Penrose, played by Alexander Skarsgård. As World War II erupts, Miller secures a position with British Vogue. However, she quickly becomes frustrated with the restrictions placed on female photographers, which confine her to documenting the war effort from England.
Determined to break free from these limitations, Miller overcomes significant obstacles to join the front lines. The film’s synopsis highlights her relentless pursuit of truth, as she turns her lens towards the suffering caused by Hitler’s regime. Her work reveals the horrific loss of life and the atrocities committed against innocent victims.
Miller’s journey takes her to some of the most harrowing scenes of the war. She accompanies Allied forces as they liberate Nazi concentration camps at Buchenwald and Dachau. One of the most iconic moments of her career, captured in the film, is a photograph taken with Life Magazine photographer David E. Scherman, portrayed by Andy Samberg. The image shows Miller bathing in Adolf Hitler’s bathtub on the day of his death, a powerful symbol of defiance and resilience.
The film also explores Miller’s profound empathy for women and the voiceless victims of war. Her photographs capture both the fragility and ferocity of the human experience, reflecting her deep understanding of the suffering endured by those caught in the conflict. However, her relentless pursuit of truth comes at a personal cost, forcing her to confront a traumatic secret from her childhood.
“Lee” features a stellar cast, including Josh O’Connor, Andrea Riseborough, and Marion Cotillard. O’Connor plays Tony, a young journalist to whom an older Miller recounts her wartime experiences through flashbacks. Riseborough portrays Audrey Withers, Miller’s editor at British Vogue, who supports her in overcoming the barriers faced by female war correspondents. Cotillard plays Solange D’Ayen, the fashion director of French Vogue and a close friend of Miller.
The film’s trailer is a powerful montage of Miller’s experiences, set against a backdrop of dramatic music. Winslet’s portrayal of Miller is both compelling and poignant, as she navigates the chaos of war and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Her character’s voice, from a 1977 interview, provides a reflective narrative that ties together the flashbacks of her wartime career.
“Lee” not only chronicles Miller’s professional achievements but also delves into her personal struggles. The film depicts her friendship with Scherman and their shared experiences in documenting the war. It also highlights the personal price she paid for her relentless pursuit of truth, including the emotional toll of witnessing the horrors of war firsthand.
The film’s screenplay, written by Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, and John Collee, is based on extensive research into Miller’s life and work. It aims to provide a nuanced portrayal of a woman who lived her life at full throttle, driven by a passion for uncovering the truth. The narrative underscores the sacrifices she made and the impact of her work on the world’s understanding of the war.
“Lee” first premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and Winslet’s exceptional performance. As the film prepares for its theatrical release, it promises to be a poignant tribute to a remarkable woman who broke barriers and left an indelible mark on the history of photojournalism.
Kate Winslet’s portrayal of Lee Miller in “Lee” is set to be a cinematic event that not only honors Miller’s legacy but also sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of female war correspondents. Through this film, audiences will gain a deeper appreciation for the courage and resilience of a woman who dared to document the darkest chapters of history.
Source: PEOPLE, THR
