Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet has been making headlines, not just for her portrayal of the iconic Lee Miller in the upcoming film Lee, but also for her unapologetic stance on body positivity and authenticity in the film industry. Winslet, known for her bold performances and outspoken nature, recently shared her views on what it means to be truly comfortable in one’s own skin, challenging Hollywood’s often narrow standards of beauty.
Lee outlines the life of a war heroine
The upcoming film Lee takes audiences back in time to the remarkable life of Lee Miller, a woman whose career spanned from fashion model to groundbreaking war correspondent. Miller began her journey in New York City as a fashion model before moving to Paris, where she established herself as a fashion and fine art photographer. When World War II erupted, Miller became a war correspondent for Vogue, capturing some of the most harrowing and historical moments of the 20th century, including the London Blitz, the liberation of Paris, and the horrors of the concentration camps at Buchenwald and Dachau.
In the film, Winslet steps into the shoes of this fearless woman, bringing to life not only Miller’s professional achievements but also her personal struggles. The film includes some nude scenes, and Winslet was determined to present her body honestly on screen–something that is often hailed as “brave” for female actresses. She told Time magazine, “That’s not f***ing brave. I’m not an ex-postmaster fighting for justice. I’m not in Ukraine. I’m doing a job that matters to me.” She has been vocal about the scrutiny female actors face when they choose to appear without makeup or when they show their bodies on camera. “We’re just doing our job.”
Winslet refused to hide her “belly rolls”
During the filming of Lee, Winslet encountered an incident that highlighted the pressure in Hollywood on women to conform to certain beauty standards. She recounted to Harper’s Bazaar UK how a crew member implied that she should adjust her posture to conceal her “belly rolls.” It was during a scene where she was wearing a bathing suit.
Winslet was quick to shut down the suggestion, stating, “There’s a bit where Lee’s sitting on a bench in a bikini. And one of the crew came up between takes and said: ‘You might want to sit up straighter.’ So you can’t see my belly rolls? Not on your life! It was deliberate, you know?” Winslet made a point to ensure that her body was visible in its natural state during the simple act of sitting on a bench.
She goes bare-faced and is proud of it
When asked whether she minds looking “less-than-perfect” on screen, Winslet’s response was clear and resolute: “The opposite. I take pride in it because it is my life on my face, and that matters. It wouldn’t occur to me to cover that up.” Winslet philosophy is about embracing one’s true self. “People know better than to say, ‘You might wanna do something about those wrinkles,'” Winslet added. “I’m more comfortable in myself as each year passes. It enables me to allow the opinions of others to evaporate.”
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Lee is set to release on September 27, 2024.