Lee Release Date, Cast, Storyline, Trailer Release, And Everything You Need to Know
Lee” is an eagerly anticipated biographical drama that brings to life the extraordinary story of Lee Miller, a groundbreaking war photographer who defied expectations and risked everything to document the harsh realities of World War II.
Directed by Ellen Kuras in her feature directorial debut, the film stars Academy Award winner Kate Winslet in a tour-de-force performance as the fearless and complex Lee Miller.
This ambitious project spotlights a remarkable woman whose contributions to photojournalism and war coverage have often been overlooked.
“Lee” promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally powerful exploration of Miller’s life. The film will focus on her transformation from fashion model to intrepid war correspondent, aiming to capture Miller’s indomitable spirit and the personal toll of witnessing the horrors of war.
Lee Release Date:
“Lee” is set to make its theatrical debut in the United Kingdom and Ireland on September 13, 2024. This release comes nearly a year after the film’s world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023, where it garnered significant critical attention and praise for Winslet’s performance.
The journey to bring “Lee” to the screen has been extended, with the project first announced in October 2015. The film’s production faced numerous challenges, including funding issues and the global pandemic, which delayed shooting. Despite these setbacks, the perseverance of the filmmakers, particularly Kate Winslet, who also serves as a producer, has finally brought this critical story to fruition.
Lee Storyline:
“Lee” focuses on the most significant decade of Lee Miller’s life, chronicling her evolution from a successful fashion model to a courageous war photographer. The film begins in the late 1930s when Hitler’s power grew in Germany. Leaving behind her artistic circle in France, Miller moves to London after falling in love with art dealer Roland Penrose (played by Alexander Skarsgård).
As World War II erupts, Miller secures a position with British Vogue but quickly becomes frustrated by the limitations on female photographers. Determined to document the truth of the war, she defies societal expectations and pushes to get to the front lines.
The film follows Miller as she captures iconic images during the London Blitz, the liberation of Paris, and, most notably, the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps at Dachau and Buchenwald. “Lee” delves into the personal cost of Miller’s work, exploring how her experiences during the war affected her psyche and relationships.
The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the complexities of Miller’s character, including her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in the aftermath of her wartime experiences. Through its narrative, “Lee” aims to shed light on the power of photography to bear witness to history and the importance of giving voice to the voiceless.
Lee List of Cast Members:
- Kate Winslet as Lee Miller
- Marion Cotillard as Solange d’Ayen
- Andrea Riseborough as Audrey Withers
- Andy Samberg as David Scherman
- Noémie Merlant as Nusch Éluard
- Josh O’Connor as Antony Penrose
- Alexander Skarsgård as Roland Penrose
- Arinzé Kene as Major Jonesy
- Vincent Colombe as Paul Éluard
- Patrick Mille as Jean D’Ayen
- Samuel Barnett as Cecil Beaton
- Zita Hanrot as Ady Fidelin
- James Murray as Colonel Spencer
Lee Creators Team:
The creation of “Lee” has been a collaborative effort involving some of the most talented individuals in the film industry. At the helm is director Ellen Kuras, making her feature directorial debut after a distinguished career as a cinematographer.
Kuras’s vision for the film was born from a chance encounter with a book about Lee Miller, which sparked her interest in bringing this remarkable story to the screen.
The screenplay for “Lee” went through several iterations, with contributions from multiple writers. Liz Hannah, known for her work on “The Post,” crafted the final version of the script, building on earlier drafts by John Collee and Marion Hume.
The story is based on the 1985 biography “The Lives of Lee Miller” by Antony Penrose, Miller’s son, who gave the filmmakers unprecedented access to his mother’s archives and unpublished works.
Kate Winslet’s involvement in “Lee” goes far beyond her starring role. Winslet shaped the project as a producer, from selecting screenwriters to overseeing finances and casting. Her dedication to the film even led her to personally cover two weeks of wages for the cast and crew when funding became precarious.
The film boasts an impressive behind-the-scenes team, including Oscar-winning composer Alexandre Desplat, costume designer Michael O’Connor, and cinematographer Paweł Edelman. This combination of talent ensures that “Lee” will be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant portrayal of Miller’s extraordinary life and work.
Where to Watch Lee?
Upon its initial release, “Lee” will be available in theaters across the United Kingdom and Ireland starting September 13, 2024. The film is being distributed by Sky Cinema, which suggests it will likely be available on the Sky Cinema streaming platform sometime after its theatrical run.
Roadside Attractions and Vertical have acquired distribution rights for audiences in the United States. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in the U.S.U.S. on September 27, 2024. This slight delay from the UK release allows for different regional marketing strategies.
Lee Trailer Release Date:
The first teaser trailer for “Lee” was released in early 2024, giving audiences a tantalizing glimpse of Kate Winslet’s transformation into Lee Miller. Shortly after, the official trailer provided a more comprehensive look at the film’s scope and emotional depth.
Both trailers have generated significant buzz, showcasing the film’s high production values and powerful performances. They offer glimpses of Miller’s journey from fashion model to war photographer, hinting at their personal and professional challenges.
Lee Final Words:
“Lee” promises to be a thought-provoking and visually arresting biopic that brings long-overdue recognition to Lee Miller’s extraordinary life and work.
Through Kate Winslet’s nuanced portrayal and Ellen Kuras’s skilled direction, the film aims to capture the essence of a woman who refused to be defined by society’s expectations and instead forged her path in a male-dominated field.
As audiences prepare to experience “Lee,” they can anticipate a film that honors the legacy of a pioneering photographer and explores timeless themes of courage, artistic expression, and the human cost of bearing witness to history.
“Lee” stands as a testament to the power of photography to shape our understanding of the world and the indomitable spirit of those who risk everything to tell the stories that must be said.