A biopic on Lee Miller has been in the works for eight years, with Kate Winslet attached as the lead. One would think with that much dedication to make something, the final product would be something profound and impactful. But Lee, the feature film directorial debut from cinematographer Ellen Kuras, with whom Winslet worked on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, proves to be your average biopic with little impact and little interest in the story on which it’s based.
Buy Lee Miller: PhotographsLee Miller was a former model, and we really only know about that through some expository dialogue. The film focuses more on what she did afterward, which is essentially how she became more known to the world and rightfully so. Told through an elderly Lee (Winslet with prosthetics), we get some awkward narration on the photographer’s life as she explains everything to a young, supposed journalist (Josh O’Connor). There’s more to this person to whom she’s talking that gets revealed at the end, and it becomes a mawkishly unnecessary twist.
The film clocks in at two hours, but it tries to wedge in as much as possible during that window and there’s so much of Lee’s backstory that feels rushed and underdeveloped. The focus on her photography years and some of the harrowing images she captured even feels like there could be more than what is presented. In addition, there’s her relationship with Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgard) and her partnership with Vogue editor Audrey Withers (Andrea Riseborough) that try to get some ample time, only to feel like crammed and underwhelming.
If anything, the main positive aspect of Lee is Winslet’s performance, as she captures the determination of Lee Miller and her attempt to make a name for herself as a photojournalist. When Lee witnesses the horrors of World War II and what the Nazis are doing to the citizens of Europe, she doesn’t attempt to hide the truth from the viewers. But it then becomes a war of words on what people can accept and what the media determines can be seen by the public.
One other thing that the movie has going for it is showcasing Saturday Night Live star Andy Samberg in a serious performance as David Scherman, a fellow photojournalist with whom Lee partners up. There is some light-heartedness in Samberg’s performance, but you can also see the hidden features underneath that one wouldn’t expect. It’s surprisingly touching how Samberg doesn’t go full funnyman and comes off convincing in a dramatic turn.
Lee is a disappointment in that, while there are some strong performances, the script around them is lacking. Some biopics can get away with going through the motions as long as there’s some stronger elements that outshine the usual steps. And while Lee has some moments going for it, there’s too much surrounding it that doesn’t help elevate it to a higher level.
Lee will release to theaters on September 27th.
