Podcast Title: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Episode: A Biopic About Model Turned WWII Journalist Lee Miller
Release Date: December 30, 2024
Duration: Approximately 29 minutes

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the creation of the biopic "Lee", which chronicles the life of Lee Miller, a renowned model turned World War II journalist and photographer. The film stars Kate Winslet and is directed by Ellen Kuras. Winslet's compelling performance has garnered critical acclaim, earning her nominations for two Golden Globes.

Overview of the Film "Lee"

"Lee" tells the story of Lee Miller, a model who transformed into one of the first female war correspondents during World War II. Her poignant photographs captured the horrors of the London Blitz and the atrocities in Dachau, Germany. Despite her significant contributions, Miller's work remained largely undiscovered until after her death in 1977, when her family unearthed her archives.

Kate Winslet portrays Lee Miller, bringing depth and nuance to the character, while Ellen Kuras, an experienced filmmaker and cinematographer, directs the film. Their collaboration has resulted in a piece that not only highlights Miller's bravery but also explores the emotional and psychological toll of her experiences.

Inspiration Behind the Film

Kate Winslet shared with Alison Stewart the origins of the project:

"It started with a table." ([03:43])

Winslet and Kuras were inspired when a vintage kitchen table, once owned by Lee Miller and Roland Penrose, was discovered. This table, a symbol of Miller's life and the vibrant artistic community she was part of, became the catalyst for bringing her story to the screen. Winslet emphasized the importance of connecting with Miller's son, Anthony Penrose, to preserve the authenticity and integrity of the narrative.

Ellen Kuras added:

"I knew that the most important thing that I should do would be to go and meet her son, Anthony Penrose... because it wouldn't have been possible without his trust." ([03:50])

Challenges in Production

The production faced several challenges, including the rigorous filming schedule and unexpected accidents. Kate Winslet suffered a serious injury during a pivotal scene, demonstrating remarkable resilience:

"Imagine us having this entire shoot in front of us and having two days of her running through the battle yet to come. And she just... hurt herself quite, quite seriously. She was incredible." ([09:05])

Despite setbacks, the team persevered, embodying the spirit of Lee Miller herself. Kuras highlighted the collaborative effort:

"It was one of those projects that we could feel the heartbeat of the person whose story we were trying to tell." ([07:25])

Ellen Kuras's Directorial Insights

Ellen Kuras discussed how her background in documentary filmmaking influenced the direction of "Lee":

"Documentary has taught me how to think on my feet, how to be able to problem solve." ([16:13])

This approach allowed her to create a visually compelling narrative that stays true to Miller's experiences. Kuras emphasized the importance of the female gaze in portraying Lee Miller not just as a photographer but as a multifaceted individual battling trauma and striving to document the truth.

Furthermore, Kuras opened up about her personal journey with hearing loss and how advancements in hearing aid technology empowered her to take on the role of a director effectively:

"People who don't hear don't know how much and how critical it is to one's confidence, to one's being able to go out into the world." ([11:24])

Portraying Lee Miller’s Psychological Struggles

The film delves deep into Miller's psychological state, highlighting her probable Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

"She absolutely had PTSD. And we do know that for sure because we had her son to tell us that." ([22:45])

A particularly poignant scene depicts Miller's internal struggle as she attempts to destroy her war negatives, symbolizing her effort to erase the traumatic memories:

"Once you've seen it, you can never unsee it." ([22:27])

This moment underscores the emotional burden Miller carried and the personal sacrifices she made to bear witness to the atrocities of war.

Notable Scenes and Their Significance

One of the film's standout scenes involves Lee Miller cutting up her negatives in the British Vogue office. This act represents her desire to protect others from the horrifying images she captured, despite the historical importance of her work.

"If no one can see them, then I must destroy them." ([21:53])

Another significant moment is when Miller sits in Hitler's bathtub, a powerful image that encapsulates her fearless commitment to documenting truth, no matter the personal cost.

Ellen Kuras detailed the meticulous process behind recreating such scenes:

"We set the scene... so that Kate and Andy could find the core of that." ([25:17])

Insights on Women in Photography

The discussion also touched upon the broader theme of women photographers whose work remained hidden or unrecognized during their lifetimes. Kuras highlighted the selflessness and resilience of women like Lee Miller, who prioritized documenting the truth over personal acclaim.

"There's something extraordinarily heroic... because that's not the point. The point is about making sure that no one's story ever goes untold." ([27:33])

Conclusion

The episode provides an in-depth look into the making of "Lee", showcasing the dedication of Kate Winslet and Ellen Kuras in bringing Lee Miller's story to a wider audience. Through their collaboration, they honor Miller's legacy, shedding light on her invaluable contributions to war journalism and photography. The film not only serves as a historical recount but also as a poignant exploration of the emotional and psychological impacts of war.

As the episode concludes, Alison Stewart previews upcoming segments, including conversations with Zoe Kravitz and Lin Manuel Miranda, promising more engaging discussions on culture and its creators.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "It started with a table." – Kate Winslet ([03:43])
• "Some of the elements... being able to cut them out of herself, cut them out of her head." – Ellen Kuras ([10:17])
• "Once you've seen it, you can never unsee it." – Kate Winslet ([22:27])
• "People who don't hear don't know how much and how critical it is to one's confidence..." – Ellen Kuras ([11:24])
• "There's something extraordinarily heroic... to make sure that no one's story ever goes untold." – Ellen Kuras ([27:33])

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.