“I’ve been the model. I’ve been the muse. I’ve been the ingenue. But I was done with that. I was good at drinking, having sex, and taking pictures. And I did all three as much as I could.” – Lee Miller
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When the elder Lee Miller, portrayed by Kate Winslet, engages in a conversation with a young journalist to recount her experiences during World War II in the war drama “Lee,” this memorable line sets the stage for the filmmaker’s ultimate objective: to shed light on one of the world’s most unsung heroes.
With an opening battle sequence reminiscent of “Saving Private Ryan,” “Lee” presents itself as a polished character study, seeking a place in the market after premiering at the Roy Thomson Hall Theatre at TIFF on Saturday night. This poignant drama immerses viewers in the war zone and is anchored by another compelling performance from Academy Award winner Winslet.
In the glittering realm of Hollywood, where talents often experience meteoric rises and falls, Winslet has transcended mere fame, showcasing a remarkable range and depth.
The film joins the ranks of several one-name biopics this year, such as “Oppenheimer,” “Rustin,” and “Nyad,” all vying for awards recognition. With its star power, “Lee” has become one of the most talked-about titles in the industry. As “Lee” seeks distribution, positioning itself for a potential awards season run, the landscape for adult-oriented programming in studios has evolved and become more challenging. Factor in the ongoing Hollywood strikes that have disrupted the industry since May, and a film’s financial prospects must be even more apparent than in the past. It’s worth noting that Sky Cinema has already secured distribution rights for the U.K.
Featuring impactful action sequences and notable re-creations, such as the filming of Hitler’s apartment where Miller captured the iconic image in his bathtub, the film holds promise on multiple fronts, including awards and financial success.
Winslet, absent from the premiere, exemplifies a talented actress who actively seeks compelling stories and dedicates herself to bringing them passionately to audiences, assuming various roles in the process. As a producer alongside Kate Solomon, Winslet joins the ranks of Margot Robbie (“Barbie”), Emma Stone (“Poor Things”), and Natalie Portman (“May December”), fellow actors who also take on producing responsibilities on their film projects.
Winslet’s versatility as an actress remains a defining strength, evident as she seamlessly transitions from roles like Rose DeWitt Bukater in “Titanic” to the multi-hair-colored Clementine Krucynski in “Eternal Sunshine.”
Adapted from Antony Penrose’s autobiography and scripted by Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, and John Collee, the film narrates the compelling journey of photographer Elizabeth “Lee” Miller (Winslet). Initially a fashion model, Miller evolves into a renowned war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II. The cast also includes a surprising and effective serious performance by Andy Samberg, along with Josh O’Connor, Andrea Riseborough, and Noémie Merlant.
An Oscar winner for Best Actress in “The Reader” (2008), with an impressive six career acting nominations, Winslet’s fearless approach is evident, reminiscent of her portrayal as a former Nazi concentration camp guard—a role that earned her the coveted statuette.
At 47, Winslet continues to elevate her acting prowess, displaying increased confidence. Unafraid to expose her naked body or strip away the glamour from her stunning appearance, she allows the audience (and herself) to forge a deeper connection with the characters she embodies. While this approach isn’t always a guaranteed path to attention, as seen in previous years, it could either follow the success of Stephen Daldry’s 2008 film or be perceived as a showcase for Winslet, much like “Ammonite,” where her performance outshone the film’s overall quality.
In her inaugural venture as a director, Kuras, renowned for her work as the cinematographer on Winslet’s fourth Oscar-nominated film, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004), demonstrates a confident and skilled hand in filmmaking. In a recent Variety interview, the director-turned-director shared that she considers herself “part of the Deaf world,” with severely limited hearing stemming from a fever during infancy.
A passion project cherished by Winslet for several years, she played a pivotal role in assembling the cast, director, and artisans for the project. Winslet and Kuras enlisted Oscar-winners Alexandre Desplat (“The Shape of Water” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel”) for composing the music, Mikkel E.G. Niesen (“Sound of Metal”) for editing, and Michael O’Connor (“The Duchess”) for meticulously re-creating the stunning and historically accurate costumes. The film’s cinematography is helmed by Oscar-nominated Director of Photography Pawel Edelman (“The Pianist”).
Filmed across three countries over nine weeks in late 2022, the movie tastefully conveys the horrors of the time without resorting to the use of disturbing re-creations or heartbreaking images solely for shock value.
If anything, the film ignites a deeper curiosity to explore Lee’s life and contributions—an achievement undoubtedly on the list of Winslet and the team’s ultimate goals. Mission accomplished.
Source: https://dominioncinemas.net
Category: Awards