Lee

As the Second World War sadly but surely slips from living memory, it's even more important to capture stories buried by more tumultuous events. Every great battle has been filmed and remade on countless occasions. Every triumph, tragedy and blunder has been analysed and placed on celluloid. But what about the war stories that have been written and forgotten or are just waiting to be discovered? Lee Miller's unique contribution to war reporting is one such story that needs to be told; and its first outing on the big screen is long overdue. Under the expert direction of Ellen Kuras it becomes a tour-de-force in film making.

The narrative picks up in 1938 as Hitler tightens his grip on mainland Europe. Lee Miller (Kate Winslet) is a former model carving out a new career as a photographer. Vogue magazine in London are sufficiently impressed to offer her a commission. Editor Audrey Withers (Andrea Riseborough) is supportive but doubts that Miller's evocative style will be appreciated by readers. The film periodically flips forward to an older Miller in conversation with her son Anthony (Josh O'Connor). When war breaks out she is determined to reach the battlefront. Her lover Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgard) pleads with her not to go. However, she enlists in the US forces and meets fellow photographer David E. Scherman (Andy Samberg). They are kindred spirits and together witness the final months of the conflict.

Kate Winslet is quite simply outstanding in the title role. She delivers a convincing American accent which belies her roots in leafy Berkshire. Miller is incorrigible but instantly likeable which is due to Winslet's sympathetic portrayal. Ellen Kuras creates a grand panorama that bridges the nervous prelude to war and relief that finally greeted peace. The period detail is excellent and battle scenes frighteningly realistic especially with surround sound. A fine cast provide able support with Andy Samberg in fine form as Miller's trusty sidekick. Lee Miller and those like her were a different species. They carried no guns into battle and armed themselves with nothing more than a camera. Yet through a simple lens they showed us the very worst and very best of humanity. ‘Lee’ is a lesson in life and survival where there is a need to learn the truth however uncomfortable it might be. One of the best films of the year and not to be missed.