Kate Winslet is making waves promoting her latest film, Lee, which brings to life the story of World War II correspondent Lee Miller, showcasing the remarkable resilience and determination of women during turbulent times.
Miller's life defied societal expectations. Initially known as a fashion model, she could have conformed to the limits placed on her by society. Instead, she forged her path as a war correspondent during World War II, defying the norms of the time and capturing the harsh realities of the Nazi onslaught. Winslet, who produced and starred as Miller, felt strongly about highlighting this unsung hero's narrative and confronted challenges head on, including financing hurdles during production.
Reflecting on her experience, Winslet stated, "It’s been so unique and so different to any other experience of playing a character,” elaborated Winslet, acknowledging the eight-year process leading to the film’s release. Thanks to her efforts, Miller's important work—largely overlooked until her death—has been revived and honored. Winslet hopes more people will be inspired to learn about Miller through Lee. The film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) marked the culmination of what Winslet has called her life's chapter.
The project followed Antony Penrose, Miller's son, who rediscovered his mother’s treasure trove of photographs and diaries. Penrose emphasized Winslet's passion for the film, asserting, “Kate Winslet had such a deep and passionate connection to Lee and all the things she stands for.” Winslet's interpretation of Miller resonates strongly, as she conveys not just the noble acts of journalism but the deeply personal struggle of living authentically as a woman.
During her interview with Deadline, Winslet expressed gratitude for her Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Miller, saying, "It has just filled me with so much joy and gratitude... all you want is for people to know about it and to see it." For Winslet, the film transcends mere biopic; it’s about empowering women to embrace their true selves.
"Lee was already someone who, 80 years ago, was redefining femininity to mean power and compassion and courage,” said Winslet. Her observations reveal the film's timeliness, particularly amid the cultural movements championing women's stories and experiences. Winslet sees Lee as more relevant now than ever, with the legacy of the #MeToo movement opening doors for meaningful conversations.
Winslet also acknowledges the struggles women endured to assert their identities. She shared, "I connected to her because this is somebody who had to endure scrutiny... it’s still challenging for women to just be themselves." The narrative of overcoming adversity, along with the responsibilities of being true to oneself, echoes throughout Winslet’s portrayal.
One interesting aspect Winslet highlighted was the feminist support woven throughout Miller's story. Winslet gained access to many of Miller’s letters exchanged with her editor, Audrey Withers, who encouraged Miller’s writing endeavors, reinforcing the importance of crafting narratives about strong women supporting each other.
Winslet recounted the difficulties she faced trying to secure financing, facing skepticism from potential stakeholders who questioned Miller's likability, stating, "I wasn’t going to go around educating people on what they did or they didn’t see, because if they didn’t see it, then they weren’t going to be the right person for the job.” This resistance only fueled Winslet’s fire to tell Miller’s story, and she remained steadfast, believing deeply in its importance. "If I didn’t make this film, Lee’s real story about who she became during the war may never be told," Winslet said emphatically.
Winslet's commitment to authenticity is evident not only through her performance but also the film’s direction, collaborating with cinematographer Ellen Kuras to honor Miller’s legacy visually. Winslet’s insights suggest the portrayal will be raw and genuine, eschewing romanticized versions typical of women’s narratives, as she emphasized the authenticity of portraying the reality of women’s lives: "Life isn’t necessarily a pretty picture. For most people, it isn’t, and for me, it certainly wasn’t."
The emotional weight of Miller's life also impacted Winslet deeply. "There will always be bits of her I carry with me. I feel she inspired me not to care what people think and to always strive for integrity." This intimate connection between Winslet and Miller is part of what makes the film so compelling.
Overall, Winslet has poured her heart and soul, and even personal finances, to get Lee to the big screen. She undertook the mammoth endeavor because the story needed to be told—not for accolades, but for the sake of true representation of women's strength throughout history.
Winslet's passion reflects what she hopes the film will achieve: engaging current and future generations with Miller’s remarkable story, demonstrating how women like Miller have paved the way for future truth-tellers. It’s not just about what happens on screen; it’s how these stories resonate and empower people to confront their reality with courage and authenticity. Lee stands as not only Winslet's tribute to Miller, but as a beacon reminding viewers of the powerful stories often hidden from view.
