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‘Lee’ Review: A Remarkable Life at War

2024-09-27 00:00
British actress (born 1975)
American photographer and photojournalist (1907–1977)
1939–1945 global conflict
  • The film chronicles the life of Lee Miller, a photographer who documented World War II for British Vogue.
  • Kate Winslet stars as Miller, showcasing her complex personality and relationships with notable figures.
  • The movie highlights Miller's significant contributions to photography and invites viewers to explore her legacy.

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Insights

The film, directed by Ellen Kuras, focuses on the life of Lee Miller, a photographer who documented World War II for British Vogue. Spanning from 1938 to shortly after the war, the narrative explores Miller's multifaceted career, beginning as a model and student of Man Ray, and evolving into a war correspondent. Kate Winslet portrays Miller, capturing her tenacity and complex personality, while Alexander Skarsgard plays her husband, Roland Penrose. The film features a framing device of an interview with Miller in 1977, allowing her to narrate her experiences. Miller's work during the war was significant, as she produced some of the most memorable images of the era, often alongside Life photographer David Scherman. The film also highlights her relationships with notable figures in the art and fashion world, including Audrey Withers, the editor of British Vogue, and French Vogue's Solange d’Ayen, portrayed by Marion Cotillard. These interactions provide insight into the creative and social circles that influenced Miller's work. The director incorporates Miller's actual photographs into the film, paying homage to her legacy and encouraging viewers to explore her archive. The film's portrayal of Miller's life emphasizes her drive and resilience, showcasing the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field during a tumultuous time in history. Ultimately, the film serves as a tribute to Miller's contributions to photography and journalism, inviting audiences to reflect on the power of visual storytelling in documenting historical events.

Contexts

The film 'Lee' focuses on the life of Elizabeth 'Lee' Miller, a pioneering female photojournalist who made significant contributions during World War II. Initially a model in the 1920s, Miller transitioned to photography and became one of the first journalists to cover the war for Vogue, highlighting the role of women in journalism during this tumultuous period. Miller's impactful work included documenting the liberation of Dachau concentration camp, which underscored the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of journalistic integrity in wartime. Her efforts not only changed perceptions of women's capabilities in the field but also set a precedent for future female journalists. The film, which has been a decade in the making, aims to shed light on Miller's challenges and triumphs, showcasing her dedication to capturing the truth amidst the chaos of war. Co-star Alexander Skarsgard has praised Kate Winslet's commitment to the project, emphasizing the importance of Miller's story. Overall, 'Lee' serves as a reminder of the vital role that photojournalists like Miller played in documenting history, particularly during World War II, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and equality for women in the media.

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