Shades of Darkness: Jean-Clément Soret on Colour Grading 'Lee'

The 2024 film Lee tells the story of Lee Miller, an American photographer played by Kate Winslet, who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II. Directed by Ellen Kuras, shot by Pawel Edelman, and featuring colour grade led by Company 3 senior colourist Jean-Clément Soret, the film has been praised by many, with Empire saying, "Lee is handsomely made, [a] moving biopic of a subject which deserves to be honoured."

Jean-Clément, reflecting on the experience, noted, "Ellen and Pawel were a joy to work with, and I see Lee as one of the best experiences of my career. I shared the project with Yoomin Lee, another trusted senior colourist who regularly collaborates with me. I can't thank her enough for ensuring it was finished to the highest standard possible."

A significant factor in the film's emotional impact is its colour grade. The vision of directors Ellen Kuras and Pawel Edelman guided Jean-Clément's approach to Lee - their desire for a subtle yet impactful colour palette aligned with Jean-Clément's understanding of the historical context. As Jean-Clément recalled, "The film begins with a more saturated palette, reflecting the happier times before the war. As the story unfolds, the saturation gradually diminishes, mirroring the increasing despair and darkness that envelops the protagonist, Lee."

Jean-Clément's masterful orchestration of colour was pivotal in conveying the tone and mood of different scenes in Lee. He emphasised, "The colour was an important part of helping with the narrative and setting the mood." The transition from the vibrant, pre-war world to the bleakness of the concentration camps was dramatically underscored through the colour, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative and immersing viewers into the film.

One of the biggest challenges was achieving colour consistency throughout a single day's shoot. The scene where Lee recounts her story to the interviewer takes place from morning to late afternoon, however, was shot over different times. Cinematographers are always concerned with light consistency, but Jean-Clément's expertise and attention to detail ensured that these challenges were overcome and that the lighting remained consistent in this scene.

Pawel Edelman's LUT provided a solid foundation for Jean-Clément's work, and their close collaboration ensured that the colour palette seamlessly integrated with the film's visual aesthetic. Speaking on the experience, Jean-Clément notes, "It was a privilege to work with a cinematographer so knowledgeable."

Ultimately, colour grade played a crucial role in Lee's storytelling. The deliberate use of saturation and brightness helped establish the emotional context of different periods in Lee's life. The nuanced colour palette enhances the film's powerful narrative, which serves as a visual language, guiding viewers through the protagonist's harrowing journey.

Lee is now captivating audiences in theatres globally and will soon be available to watch on demand, bringing its powerful storytelling and stunning visuals to a broader audience.