When pursuing the truth, one can’t let them push you back.
Set in the heart of World War II, Lee tells the story of Lee Miller (Kate Winslet), an American war correspondent and photography who is responsible for some of the war’s most indelible images. Known by others for her beauty, Miller’s true skill is behind the camera and, as the war unfolds around her, she becomes determined to share the realities about Hitler’s deviousness to the world.
As the first feature directed by Ellen Kuras, Lee is a furious film that invites the viewer to see the worst aspects of the world through one woman’s eyes (and camera lens). Given her career as a cinematographer, the visuals of the film are simply stunning. Carefully crafted, each scene feels as though it tells its own story. Beginning with bright colour palettes, she emphasizes the bliss of peace time with warm tones. (This is also apparent in the interviews of the ‘present’ as well.) However, the film devolves into heavy grey scale as it progresses. As Lee peels back the devastation around her, the screen is bathed in pale hues, showing us that life has been essentially drained from this world.
As such, as Miller draws closer to the heart of the war, images continue to spiral into darkness yet never lean into exploitation. This is the type of war film that wants to disturb the senses yet still respects the victims. (But, make no mistake. There are moments in the film that are designed to make us uncomfortable with the horrors of war.) Admittedly, there are moments where the film could be accused of following the tropes of biopics that we’ve seen before. However, Miller’s journey is so compelling that one can’t help but be engrossed by it.
At this point, it should come as no surprise that the anchor of the film is Winslet. But there seems to be a little extra fire in her belly in this performance. As Miller, Winslet feels empowered and brings that strength into her performance. In this way, Winslet highlights Miller as one of feminine strength. Consistently slowed by those who would dismiss her for her gender, Miller refuses to be placed In such boxes. Instead, she kicks against the system, battling for the respect that she’s due. Hers is a character that knows who she is from the outset. Winslet gives Lee an intensity that keeps her formidable. Determined to tell the truth with her camera, she is driven, courageous and resilient but also broken by what she sees. Winslet steps into this role and owns it in a way that elevates the film.
From the outset, Lee begins with an emphasis on the disconnect between privilege and reality. As an artist, she and her friends understand that there are problems within the world. Even so, they see the world through newsreels and reporters. But Miller is a woman that pursues the truth. To some, this makes her abrasive. To others, she provides a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. With each mile that she travels, Miller shows greater resolve to her cause.
She knows that her camera is a weapon. And she’s determined to use it.
Ultimately though, Lee becomes a portrait of a complicated woman and her convictions. There is never a moment when we don’t empathize with (and appreciate) Miller’s impassioned quest to show the world what’s really happening beyond the front lines. At the same time, we also see the pain that could be caused by those that don’t understand her. (This is perhaps best exhibited through her husband who seems to want her to accept her role as a homemaker so they can build a life.) With unspoken pain from her past driving her, she buries her own hurt yet carries her brokenness within her.
Even so, Lee never allows the viewer to see her as anything other than heroic. Her willingness to step forward where others would have her step back is a testament to her conviction to speak truth. Because of her sacrifices, we have received some of the wars most iconic imagery, shaping the way we understand history in the process. It’s this spirit of purpose that drives Kuras’ film. And it’s that spirit that makes it important.
Lee is available in theatres now.
