Lee (2024) Explores a Forgotten Hero's Story

I would rather take a photograph than be one - Lee Miller (1907-1977)

Lee is a 2024 biographical film about the famous war photographer Lee Miller. Originally a fashion model, Miller became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine, snapping pictures that illustrate disturbing images of World War 2.

Have you ever heard the phrase, take a picture, it lasts longer? Not only does Lee highlight a compelling story of a hidden figure, but this film also vocalizes the power of photography. Lee is a powerful film that impacted me as soon as it finished. This film serves as a poignant reminder of the stories buried in the past waiting to be told.

Kate Winslet stars as Lee Miller, a historical figure who was hardcore, courageous, and led her own way. Miller had a unique eye for photos, capturing the truth. She sought a voice for everyone, even if that entailed getting in harm's way.

Winslet completely disappears into this role, fully embracing Miller’s tough-cookie attitude. She persevered through filming after suffering a back injury, making her Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress well-deserved for her hard work.

This is not the role I’d expect to see Andy Samberg in. Samberg was great as Davy Scherman, an American photographer who helped Lee with her photos. More credits include Alexander Skarsgard, Marion Cotillard, Andrea Risborough, and several ensemble members playing soldiers or concentration camp survivors.

I just learned this is Ellen Kuras’s directorial debut. Kuras is a cinematographer whose past credits include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Betrayal. Filmmakers have been trying to tell Miller’s story for years, and the one element Kuras wasn’t doing was making the film a biopic. Instead of portraying Miller’s entire life, Kuras only focused on the historical figure’s life, showing more of who Miller was as a person.

However, Kuras's focus on Miller detracts viewers from underdeveloped characters and layers in the story. I wanted to know more about Miller’s post-war life. Lee has a bit of a love triangle between Miller, Davy, and Roland Penrose (Skarsgard). Roland is Lee’s eventual husband, however, his character’s motivations are only briefly touched upon.

Kuras and cinematographer Pawel Edelman made this film authentic so that Miller wasn’t just a photograph. The cinematography emphasizes the devastation of war and emphasizes the power of Miller’s photography. Lee was filmed in Croatia, Hungary, and London. Filmmakers studied historical photos of the 1940s to recreate the devastation of war.

Replicas of Miller’s Rolleiflex cameras were used. Filmmakers recreated famous photos like Miller sitting in Adolf Hitler’s bathtub, piles of bodies from concentration camps, and a frightened child from one of the camps. Once you’ve seen it, you can never unsee it.

The film has a relatable tone for audiences. Miller is trying to find her voice, and she finds fulfillment by taking photographs. Why do we take pictures? I like taking pictures to remember the moment. Photographs tell stories we shouldn’t forget. We can learn stories through pictures, especially about the past. We can’t hide from the past’s darkest chapters.

The ending of Lee surprised me. This film has a narration from one of its characters that I didn’t find necessary - until its revelation. It’s been a while since I have been genuinely surprised at a film and it’s my favorite part about this movie.

For anyone who is a WW2 enthusiast, check out Lee. It’s a heavy story depicting images of war and implying sexual assault. The ending has stayed with me. Check out Lee's streaming on Hulu.