Lee an uneven biopic of a war photographer

Actress Kate Winslet shines in a drama about a former American fashion and fine art model's path from glamour to war

- John Lui

LEE (NC16) 117 minutes, opens on Jan 16 ★★★☆☆

The story: This biopic of Lee Miller opens in 1938, with the American model and photographer (Kate Winslet) living with her lover, artist Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgård), in London. When Germany invades France, the lives of Miller's friends, including fashion editor Solange D'Ayen (Marion Cotillard) and artist Nusch Eluard (Noémie Merlant) are in danger. In bombed-out London, Miller shoots morale-boosting images of women in national defence, for British Vogue editor Audrey Withers (Andrea Riseborough).

But Miller yearns to be a war correspondent, despite rules preventing women from entering combat zones. She eventually finds a way to the front line, partners photojournalist David Scherman (Andy Samberg) and creates images that will earn her a place in history.