The Wasteland Reviewer

Lee (2024) Written Review

Who is Lee Miller? There have been many talented and important women lost to the annals of history. Miller was certainly not as well-respected during WWII and post war as she is today. A former model turned photojournalist, Miller took his talents to the war front and captured some of the most harrowing images of the war and of the Holocaust. There are quite a few pictures that she took that have become synonymous with the horrors of war and the destruction and devastation caused by the Nazis. It was a matter of time before Hollywood got their paws on Miller’s story. 

Does Ellen Kuras’ biopic of Miller deliver and honor the legacy of such a significant figure? In many ways, Lee never lifts itself above your expected beats of biopics. There was the decision to have a framed narrative. Miller (Kate Winslet) dictates her life story to her son (Josh O’Connor) which is revisited every so often. This has become such a cliché in the genre in the last 30 years for sure. It takes until the end of the film for this device to feel interesting and nuanced. In terms of the actual story, the narrative beats are quite familiar and some of the themes feel surface level. Sexism is a primary element of Miller’s story as she was never taken fully seriously. The film never takes that aspect of the film in an interesting way (despite its significance). But the way the film navigates the expression of art and journalism is a more interesting way. There are some poignant moments including a scene having to do with Hitler’s bathtub. The film will not go down as a classic biopic, but it will be recognized for some impactful moments for sure. 

How did Kuras make that transition from cinematographer to director with Lee? The film has a strong visual representation for sure. There is a strong feeling of weight and emotion behind every shot in the film. Kuras might not be the DP but in collaboration with Pawl Edelman (the cinematographer on Lee) she is able to craft a rich visual experience for the film. When you have a film that focuses on a photojournalist, you must make sure you capture a visual experience that is thriving and engrossing. Kuras has the right sensibility to do so and accomplishes that. The film moves from scene to scene with focus and keeps the pace up. The only moments that slow down are the framed elements (which the film could have down without in all honesty). The beats are familiar, but Kuras can capture the emotion of these horrific times, and the weight of these big themes can be felt thanks to the right tone that is created. 

What is the biggest selling point of the film? Winslet for sure. She is one of the actors in the world and she brings her best to this film. Miller is such a fascinating figure and Winslet can bring some calculated choices to bring the most out of the performance. The free spirit aspects of Miller are manifested in her lifestyle at the beginning of the film and Winslet brings plenty of confidence to how she carries herself. Few actors have it shown all so often on screen and Winslet still shows that she commands the screen. There are a few key moments of emotion and Winslet knocks out of the park. The rest of the cast is certainly talented as well. Alexander Skarsgard is a big fixture in film and television right now and he brings his chops to this limited role. Andy Samberg is an unexpected addition to the film and might be a bit of a distraction. The likes of Andrea Riseborough, Marion Cotillard, and Noemie Merlant bring added depth to the proceedings (especially Riseborough). 

Does Lee stand out in the crowded field of biopics? Narratively and structurally, this is a familiar experience. The themes and backdrop bring weight to the proceedings. There are few periods that are more serious than World War II and the Holocaust. Winslet is incredible (as always) as she delivers yet another impressive performance. She brings strength and determination. This is a story that is under told and Kuras brings great respect to the story of Lee Miller.