Kate Winslet opens up about financial struggles, dedication behind 'Lee' biopic

WASHINGTON: Kate Winslet, the Oscar-winning actress, recently spoke with The Hollywood Reporter in Rome about her long and challenging journey in bringing the life of iconic war photographer Lee Miller to the big screen.

The biopic, titled 'Lee', has been a passion project for Winslet, who not only stars in the role but has also been instrumental in its development. The production took over eight years to complete.

Miller, a groundbreaking photojournalist and war correspondent for Vogue, is known for her striking and powerful images taken during World War II. Among her most famous works is a photograph she took on April 30, 1945, the day Adolf Hitler committed suicide.

The image shows her sitting naked in a bathtub in Hitler's abandoned Munich apartment, a haunting yet iconic moment in history. This poignant scene features prominently in the biopic, which portrays Miller's resilience, determination, and courage in the male-dominated world of war journalism.

The story of 'Lee' began by chance. Winslet explained to The Hollywood Reporter that she was first drawn to Miller's story after purchasing a table that once belonged to Roland Penrose, Miller's artist husband. As she learned more about Miller's life and work, Winslet became obsessed with the idea of turning her story into a film.

She joined forces with Antony Penrose, Miller's son, and set out to make the project a reality. Despite the long production timeline and numerous hurdles along the way, including financial difficulties, Winslet was unwavering in her commitment to the film.

At one point, she even personally covered the expenses for two weeks of wages for the entire cast and crew.

"Independent filmmaking has always been extremely difficult," she acknowledged, adding, "Sometimes it is necessary to come together, channel collective energy, and be determined to tell your story in a sensitive, authentic, and meaningful way."

As well as playing the role of 'Lee', Winslet played a crucial role in casting, enlisting talented friends and colleagues such as Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgard, and Marion Cotillard to appear in the film.

She also worked alongside an extraordinary creative team, including Pawel Edelman (cinematographer of 'The Pianist'), Gemma Jackson (production designer for 'Game of Thrones'), and Michael O'Connor (costume designer for 'Jane Eyre'), to ensure the film's authenticity and attention to detail.

The team took great care to faithfully recreate the clothes Miller wore and other significant elements of the era, bringing a true sense of historical accuracy to the project.

In her interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Winslet spoke passionately about Lee Miller's legacy as a woman who not only succeeded in a male-dominated field but also documented the horrors of war in a way that no one else could.

"Lee Miller was a woman who contributed enormously to the visual documentation of the truths about the Nazi regime," Winslet said, adding, "She was one of the first photojournalists, and despite being a woman, she managed to make her way in male-dominated environments."

Winslet emphasized the historical importance of Miller's photographs, which continue to provide invaluable insight into the atrocities of war and the suffering of its victims.

"Without her, we might not have those extraordinary images documenting what happened to the voiceless victims of conflicts," Winslet added, adding, "These photographs are of immense historical importance and continue, even today, to reveal many truths to us."

One of the themes of 'Lee' is Miller's role in redefining femininity. Winslet pointed out that Miller's life and work were groundbreaking in how they shaped the modern understanding of female strength and resilience.

"80 years ago, Lee Miller was already redefining femininity," Winslet noted, adding, "She was redefining femininity to represent resilience, strength, courage, determination, and compassion. It is so important: it is how we are raising our girls, it is how we are in our friendships and our personal relationships today," during an interview with the Hollywood Reporter. Winslet's portrayal of Miller has been met with critical acclaim, with the actress earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

As she reflected on the impact of Miller's life, Winslet found herself deeply inspired by the photographer's courage and determination. "She never turned her back, never ran away, never went home, she stayed. She could have gone home, but she didn't," Winslet said, adding, "I think we need to look to people like her for inspiration and leadership.

She was a phenomenally courageous figure, and it was a privilege to be able to tell her story." In her career, Winslet has portrayed numerous powerful women, including in 'The Reader', where she played a woman with a complex past set during World War II.

Reflecting on her journey as an actress, she said, "I think I enjoy my work more and more, and I am more grateful for it every day. It keeps my spirits high and brings me so much joy." Winslet also emphasized her dedication to always giving her best, saying, "Either you do it to the best of your ability, or you abstain. This is my motto."