Kate Winslet brings Lee Miller’s WWII story to screen.

When Kate Winslet stumbled upon the extraordinary story of Lee Miller, she knew she had to bring it to life on the big screen.

Miller, an American photographer turned war correspondent for British Vogue during World War II, captured some of the most iconic images of the time – from London post-Blitz to the liberation of Dachau. One notable photo, taken by David E. Scherman in 1945, shows her in Hitler’s bathtub in Munich.

Before the war, Miller had already lived a full life as a model and muse to surrealists like Man Ray. Despite battling alcoholism, PTSD, and trauma from a young age, she continued documenting the aftermath of the war in Eastern Europe.

Winslet’s passion for Miller’s story led her on a decade-long journey to bring “Lee” to the big screen, culminating in the film’s nationwide release this Friday.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Winslet shared her insights on the film, its impact, and the challenges she faced as an actor.

AP: What drew you to Lee Miller’s story?

WINSLET: Lee Miller embodied qualities that are as relevant today as they were 80 years ago. She redefined femininity with traits like resilience, compassion, and strength. Despite the risks she faced, she felt compelled to be the voice for victims of conflict.

AP: Could you relate to Miller’s courage in facing danger head-on?

WINSLET: I delved deep into Miller’s life and experiences through conversations with her son, Antony Penrose. Something profound shifted within me during that process, connecting me to her on a level beyond acting.

AP: What was it like working with Ellen Kuras on her directorial debut?

WINSLET: Ellen’s visual storytelling prowess made her the perfect choice to bring Miller’s narrative to life. Working with her felt like a natural fit, given our shared history.

The film dives deep into Miller’s complexities, showcasing her drive, demons, and trauma. Winslet aimed to portray Miller authentically, shunning the simplistic portrayal of her as just a muse or lover.

One of the most emotionally taxing scenes for Winslet was when Miller recounts her childhood trauma to Vogue editor Audrey Withers. The raw vulnerability and strength displayed in that moment resonated deeply with survivors of abuse.

Winslet expressed how impactful it is to have strangers share their own stories of trauma after watching the film, underscoring the power of storytelling to create empathy and understanding.