Lee Miller Review

This is a film that reminds me Kate Winslet is one of the best living actors. This follows the real life Lee Miller, a bad ass former model turned photographer for British Vogue, turned wartime correspondent getting to the front lines showing the true horrors of war, and the worst of humanity. She was fearless, and courageous, and yes she really did take a picture in Hitlers Munich apartment.

This film is an underrated gem, that not enough people have talked about last year or this award season. Why is that? To disturbing? To bold? Yes to both, but the is a story that needed to be told. World War 2 is a difficult subject, because it shows the worst of humanity. With nearly 60 million lives lost, majority of those civilians and mass genocide. Not in any way the world has ever seen. But Lee Miller put herself in harms way to get more than just the “shot”. It was to tell the story as honestly and painfully as she could.

I was hooked from the first to the last moment, and I was surprised by Andy Sandberg. He really shined with his performance, and he mashed well with Kate’s character. It was a painful watch as many WW2 films are, but it’s an important story to tell and watch. I don’t know what I love more the adaptation or the real life of Lee. Both are bad ass, intense and disturbing but in a good way. It was exceptionally satisfying to see her smash her dirty boots on the floor and take that picture in his tub. One of the boldest moves I have ever seen.

I hate that British Vogue did not fight hard enough to release those photos, but big props to their American counterpart for releasing it and showing the world the truth. I felt it could have spent more time on her on the front lines taking pictures, and showing the outrage she felt. I would have enjoyed more time spent on her and David’s friendship, and even some of his work. I really admire their connection, because they weren’t alone, and were able to feel emotions together. Perhaps getting into some glimpses of her motherhood, and how she struggled during and post WW2. I know the story ends with her son, but perhaps one last goodbye or some resolve for the characters before her end. Regardless, this was story that needed to be told no matter how hard it is to hear or see.

Overall 4.5/5