Avon: Lee

LEE begins in the late 1930s, as Hitler amasses power in Germany. Elizabeth “Lee” Miller (Kate Winslet) leaves her artistic circle of friends and life behind in France, and travels to London after falling wildly in love with the art dealer Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgård). The two embark on a passionate relationship, just as war breaks out in Europe. Already a renowned photographer, Lee gains a job completing assignments for British Vogue, but is shocked by the restrictions placed on female photographers. As Hitler’s regime takes over Europe, Lee grows increasingly frustrated that her work is constrained by patriarchal rules. Determined to be where the action is, she defiantly pushes against the establishment and, with the blessing of her friend and editor Audrey Withers (Andrea Riseborough), Lee overcomes enormous obstacles to get herself to the frontline of World War II. Compelled to document the truth, she turns her lens in the direction of suffering, and slowly begins to reveal the horrific loss of life due to Hitler’s diabolical crimes against the innocent victims of his regime. Lee Miller carried out this dangerous work for the sake of the female readers of Vogue magazine, from whom the reality of war was largely kept hidden, and in the process yielded an indelible series of pictures which to this day continue to shape how we view these events.

Directed by Ellen Kuras
Rated R
Running time 1h 57m