December 3, 2024: Kate Winslet recently discussed her role in Lee, a film in which she portrays the remarkable WWII photographer Lee Miller. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Winslet shared insights into her approach to the role and the challenges she faced in portraying Miller, a woman whose life was marked by both glamour and trauma.
Winslet admitted that despite her acclaimed career, including an Oscar win for The Reader in 2008, she sometimes feels unworthy of certain roles. Reflecting on her experience working on Lee, she said:
“When I was doing ‘Lee’, I would sit there and I would say, ‘This is ridiculous… I can truly think of at least five other brilliant actresses who would have played this part much better than me. Like a lot better.'” She often joked with the crew, thinking that they must have “read the wrong name off the list,” revealing her imposter syndrome despite being an accomplished actress.
Lee tells the story of Lee Miller, a fashion model-turned-photographer who became a war correspondent for Vogue during WWII. She captured some of the most haunting images of the war, including the first recorded use of napalm and the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps at Buchenwald and Dachau. Miller’s legacy also includes a famous photograph of her in Adolf Hitler’s bathtub in Munich, taken the day he committed suicide in Berlin.
For Winslet, playing such a complex and historically significant character required deep research. She worked closely with Miller’s son and consulted with historians to ensure accuracy in her portrayal. One of the film’s key props, Miller’s camera, became central to Winslet’s preparation. She didn’t want it to be just a “prop” but something she could truly connect with. She explained:
“It couldn’t just be a prop. It needed to feel like an extension of my arms. I had to be confident and comfortable with it. And in order to do that, I had to know what I was doing.”
Winslet also opened up about the challenges she faced in getting Lee funded, particularly the skepticism she encountered when pitching the project. She recalled a potential investor asking, “Why should I like this woman?” and criticizing Miller’s lifestyle, including her drinking and loud behavior. Winslet reflected on the broader issue of making films about historical female figures, noting that such films often struggle to attract backers because they are not always seen as “box-office friendly.” She said, “It’s hard to make films about historical female figures. You know, typically, those aren’t films that would necessarily do well in the box office.”
The actress also addressed the double standards women face in Hollywood, particularly regarding their physical appearance. Winslet shared her frustration with the way her portrayal in Lee was described as “brave” because she didn’t wear makeup and allowed her wrinkles to show. She pointed out the inequality by saying, “Do we say to the men, ‘Oh, you were so brave for this role. You grew a beard?’ No. We don’t…. it’s not brave. It’s playing the part.” Winslet has long been vocal about challenging Hollywood’s beauty standards, especially after facing criticism about her weight early in her career.
Set in 1977, Lee follows Miller as she recounts her wartime experiences to a young journalist, played by Josh O’Connor, through flashbacks. The film promises to explore Miller’s indomitable spirit and lasting impact on both the world of photography and the historical record.
Winslet’s involvement in Lee, both as an actress and producer, underscores her commitment to telling powerful, often overlooked stories, particularly those of historical women whose legacies deserve more recognition. The film is poised to offer a deep dive into Lee Miller’s complex life and will likely resonate with audiences for its compelling portrayal of a trailblazing female figure from history.
