Review: Kate Winslet clicks, but everything else in Lee's photojournalism biopic loses focus

lee

Led by Ellen Kuras

Written by Liz Hannah, John Collee and Marion Hume

With Kate Winslet, Andy Samberg and Alexander Skarsgård

classification 14A; 116 minutes

In selected cinemas from September 27th

The new biopic lee chooses the safest of all choices. With its flat voiceover narration, sober flashback-based structure and understaffed international cast, the feature film directorial debut of renowned cinematographer Ellen Kuras (Don't forget me!) is certainly consistent in its excessive caution. This is all the more disappointing when one considers the pioneering spirit of its subject: the American war photojournalist Lee Miller, whose work on the front lines of World War II produced some of the most important and horrifying images of the Holocaust.

In the role of Kate Winslet, Miller is a fiercely independent villain who doesn't let anyone – editors or lovers – tell her where to go or what to do. Yet Kuras' film, particularly the formulaic screenplay credited to a trio of writers, seems strangely resistant to such a strong spirit, forcing the character into a highly formulaic narrative.

Miller's story unfolds as a testy interview between the retired hero — Winslet wears some truly implausible age makeup — and a curious young man (Josh O'Connor) who we assume is a journalist but who is part of an eye-rolling last-minute twist. Kuras traces Miller's background, from a carefree model living a bohemian life among supporting actors like Marion Cotillard and Alexander Skarsgard — both of whom barely had time to make an impression — to a camera documenting the unvarnished truth of the story for fashion.

Along the way, Miller becomes close friends with photojournalist David Scherman, played by comedy star Andy Samberg, which turns out to be the film's best and worst decision. In the film's quieter moments, Samberg emerges as a stealthy scene-stealer with serious drama, every bit the equal of the always impressive Winslet, while also bringing a light touch of self-deprecating humor. Yet the film is also inherently silly and unintentionally disorienting to watch. Saturday Night Live Veterans wander across the charred ground of Buchenwald.

Winslet, who was the driving force behind the production for years and saw the film through various versions and casts, deserves credit for finally bringing Miller's story to the wider world. But lee is more of a movie that's good for you than a good movie in and of itself.