‘Lee’ Review: Kate Winslet in a Glossy Biopic of Vogue Photographer – The Hollywood Reporter
Here’s Your First Look at Kate Winslet as Vogue Model and War Correspondent Lee Miller | Vogue
Lee Miller's stunning images of women in wartime – in pictures | Art and design | The Guardian
Lee review from TIFF: Kate Winslet scores her best ever role in this biopic of a Vogue model-turned WW2 photographer - BBC Culture
How did Lee Miller’s traumatic experiences shape her artistic journey?
Lee Miller’s traumatic experiences played a significant role in shaping her artistic journey. The sexual assault she experienced as a child and the disturbing nude photographs taken by her father had a lasting impact on her psyche and influenced her exploration of themes such as sexuality, identity, and the female body in her photography. These traumatic events propelled her to express her emotions and thoughts through art, using photography as a medium to process and communicate her experiences. Miller’s art became a cathartic outlet for her pain and a means of reclaiming her body and agency. Her journey of healing and self-discovery is evident in the evolution of her work, from her early surrealist collaborations with Man Ray to her powerful war photography. Miller’s traumatic experiences not only shaped her artistic style but also fueled her desire to challenge societal norms and break barriers in the art world.
What were some of Lee Miller’s most significant contributions to photography and the art world?
Lee Miller made several significant contributions to photography and the art world. One of her most notable contributions was her collaboration with Surrealist artist Man Ray, which resulted in the development of the solarization technique in photography. This technique involved selectively exposing the photographic film to light during the development process, resulting in ethereal and dreamlike images with reversed tones. Miller’s experimentation with this technique pushed the boundaries of traditional photography and expanded the possibilities of artistic expression in the medium. Her collaboration with Man Ray introduced her to influential artists of the time, such as Paul Éluard, Pablo Picasso, and Max Ernst, further establishing her reputation and connections in the art world. Miller’s fashion photography for Vogue also made a significant impact. Her photographs captured the essence of the era, with her innovative compositions and use of natural lighting setting new standards for fashion photography. She challenged conventional beauty norms and portrayed women with strength, confidence, and individuality. Miller’s work as a war correspondent during World War II also left a lasting legacy. Her photographs documented the brutal reality of war, from the liberation of Paris to the haunting images of concentration camps. These powerful images brought the horrors of war to the forefront of public consciousness and played a role in shaping the discourse on war photography and its impact on society. Miller’s contributions to photography and the art world continue to resonate and inspire artists today, highlighting her enduring influence and significance.
What challenges did Lee Miller face as a war correspondent and how did it impact her personal life?
As a war correspondent, Lee Miller faced numerous challenges that had a profound impact on her personal life. One of the major challenges was the psychological toll of witnessing and documenting the atrocities of war. The horrors she encountered, such as the devastation caused by bombings, the suffering of civilian populations, and the appalling conditions in concentration camps, took a severe toll on her mental well-being. Miller experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of her traumatic experiences, leading to recurring nightmares, anxiety, and emotional distress. The emotional burden of her work as a war correspondent also affected her personal relationships. Her husband, Roland Penrose, had a long-running affair during their marriage, which added additional strain to her already troubled emotional state. Miller struggled to balance her role as a war correspondent with her responsibilities as a mother to her son, Antony Penrose. Her frequent absences and the emotional distance caused by her trauma had a lasting impact on their relationship. Despite the challenges she faced, Miller’s determination and resilience allowed her to continue her important work and use her photography as a means of bearing witness to the atrocities of war. Her experiences as a war correspondent not only shaped her photography but also deepened her understanding of the human condition and the power of art to convey the stories and experiences of those affected by conflict. Miller’s personal sacrifices and the challenges she faced as a war correspondent serve as a testament to her commitment to truth-telling and the pursuit of justice through her art.
Full summary
Kate Winslet stars as Lee Miller in the upcoming film 'Lee', a biographical drama centered on the life and work of the renowned model turned photographer. The movie, based on the biography 'The Lives of Lee Miller' by Antony Penrose, explores the most significant decade of Miller's life from 1938 to 1948, when she served as an official correspondent for Vogue during World War II. Filming is currently underway, and the film is set to premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.
Miller's journey from model to photographer was extraordinary. Born on April 23, 1907, in Poughkeepsie, New York, she was introduced to photography by her father, an amateur photographer. However, her early years were marked by traumatic experiences. At the age of seven, she was sexually assaulted by a family friend, which had a lasting impact on her life. In her 20s, Miller's father took inappropriate and disturbing nude photographs of her.
Despite these obstacles, Miller pursued her artistic passions by leaving home at age 19 and starting a career in modeling and studying art in Manhattan. Her breakthrough came when she became a model for Vogue and even graced the cover of the American and British editions in 1927. It was during her time in Paris that she lived with and collaborated with Surrealist artist Man Ray. Together, they developed the technique of solarization in photography and Miller forged connections with influential artists like Paul Éluard, Pablo Picasso, and Max Ernst.
In 1932, Miller returned to New York City and established her own photo studio. She continued to push the boundaries of her art and gained recognition for her work, exhibiting at galleries and museums. Her life took another turn when she married Aziz Eloui Bey, an Egyptian businessman, in 1934 and moved to Cairo.
However, Miller's desire to contribute to the war effort led her back to Europe. In London, she joined the British Surrealist artist Roland Penrose, whom she later married. Miller became a war correspondent for Vogue, documenting the horrors of World War II through her powerful photographs. Her images captured the liberation of Paris and the haunting reality of concentration camps.
Miller's photography career faded from public view after the war, but her son Anthony Penrose rediscovered her extensive archive of work. In 2013, a foundation was formed in her name to preserve and promote her legacy. Exhibitions showcasing Miller's contributions to the Surrealist art movement and her fashion photography are planned, allowing audiences to appreciate the breadth and impact of her work.
The film 'Lee' aims to shed light on the incredible life and work of Lee Miller. Directed by Ellen Kuras, the film features a talented cast, including Kate Winslet as Miller, Alexander Skarsgård as Roland Penrose, and Josh O'Connor as Antony Penrose. Andrea Riseborough, Marion Cotillard, and Noémie Merlant also join the cast, portraying important figures in Miller's life.
As the film delves into Miller's experiences as a war correspondent, it highlights the enormous personal toll that witnessing such atrocities took on her. Alongside her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Miller faced the challenges of personal relationships, including her husband's long-running affair. Kate Winslet's portrayal of Miller is expected to capture the complexity and resilience of this remarkable woman.
Through 'Lee', audiences will discover the extraordinary story of Lee Miller and her enduring impact on the realms of fashion, art, and photojournalism. Her journey from model to photographer to war correspondent reflects her determination to challenge societal norms and redefine her role in the world. The film promises to be a captivating and poignant exploration of Miller's life, offering a deeper understanding of a trailblazer who changed the course of photography and storytelling.
