Kate Winslet Reflects on Her Career and New Challenges

Kate Winslet expressed her excitement about being “one year closer to 50” during a recent interview on her evolving career and latest ventures. She described the period as “a very thrilling time,” emphasizing her dedication to storytelling and filmmaking rather than focusing on her legacy.

Winslet, well-known for her award-winning performances, received the Golden Icon Award at a Swiss festival. She shared insights into her journey into film production, particularly with the movie ‘Lee.’ “Younger actresses absolutely have a voice,” she remarked, highlighting the industry shift that allows women to express discomfort without fear of backlash—a change from the past when such expressions were often discouraged. Winslet noted, “It was better to just be grateful and not complain because nobody likes a girl who complains.”

Winslet’s production of ‘Lee’ proved challenging, facing skepticism from male financiers who questioned the film’s focus on Lee Miller, a model-turned-war photographer. Winslet explained, “We didn’t have anything handed to us on a plate,” and recalled an encounter with a potential financier who questioned why he should like the film’s main character. She described her steadfast commitment to the project, stating, “I wasn’t going to work with people Lee wouldn’t have approved of.”

The film ‘Lee,’ directed by Ellen Kuras, is not just a story of war but a portrayal of a woman’s resilience. Winslet explained that the film captures “the truth of the Nazi regime” through Miller’s lens and her journey to redefine femininity. “Lee was looking into the cracks, documenting stories of the victims and people left behind.”

The inspiration for the film came when Winslet encountered a table that once belonged to the Penrose family, where Miller and her surrealist circle dined and collaborated creatively. Winslet delved into acquiring the rights to Miller’s story, facilitated by Miller’s son, Antony. Despite their complex relationship, Antony contributed to redefining his mother’s image, often overshadowed by her status as Man Ray‘s muse.

As Winslet reflects on her experience, she acknowledges the challenges and the sense of pride it has brought her. “We forget to stop and say: ‘I am really proud of myself,’ especially as women.” Looking towards the future, Winslet expressed interest in exploring other stories of “real women who did incredible things,” but within realistic time commitments.