February 15, 2025

LEE (2024) – Kate Winslet Misses the Mark: Not Her Finest Hour!

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Rating: ⭐⭐

Lee-Movie

In the world of cinema, some films promise a blend of historical richness and outstanding performances, yet fail to deliver. “LEE,” starring Kate Winslet, falls into this category. Winslet, celebrated for her iconic role in “Titanic” (1997), takes on the formidable task of portraying Lee Miller, the renowned American photographer who captured the harrowing realities of WWII and the Holocaust.

From the outset, Lee Miller is introduced as a successful model living a carefree, bohemian lifestyle in France on the brink of WWII. The transformation from this self-indulgent character to the dedicated war correspondent photographer she is famous for was, however, less than convincing. Winslet’s performance, despite her undeniable talent and effort, seemed mismatched with the character’s age and evolution. At 49, she portrayed Miller during her 30s, a disparity that may have impacted the believability of her role.

The movie’s shortcomings, however, extend beyond Winslet’s performance. The pacing and storytelling style faltered, leaving the audience disengaged. The script struggled to honor the profound and visionary subject of Lee Miller’s life. The horrors of the Holocaust and the aftermath of the war in France have been depicted with far greater impact in other productions, such as “The Zone of Interest,” “All Quiet on the Western Front,” and the TV series “The New Look.”

The impressive ensemble cast, including Alexander Skarsgård (“True Blood”), Marion Cotillard (“Inception”), Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”), and Josh O’Connor (“Challengers”), were largely underutilized, failing to leave a strong impression. Their talents seemed overshadowed by the film’s structural issues.

Ironically, the film’s most powerful moments came during the end credits, where actual photographs taken by Lee Miller during the war were displayed. These images serve as a poignant reminder of her extraordinary talent and the true depth of her contributions.

In conclusion, while “LEE” is not a bad movie, it falls short as a biopic. Lee Miller’s life and contributions are too expansive to be adequately covered in a two-hour film. A TV mini-series might have done more justice to her remarkable story, offering a more thorough exploration of her legacy.

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