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 Colorist who regularly collaborates with me. I can’t thank her enough for ensuring it was finished to the highest standard possible.

Company 3 Senior Colorist, Jean-Clément Soret

A significant factor in the film’s emotional impact is its color grade. The vision of directors Ellen Kuras and Pawel Edelman guided Soret’s approach to Lee—their desire for a subtle yet impactful color palette aligned with Soret’s understanding of the historical context.

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.

Company 3 Senior Colorist, Jean-Clément Soret

Soret’s masterful orchestration of color was pivotal in conveying the tone and mood of different scenes in Lee. He emphasized, “The color 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 color, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative and immersing viewers into the film.

One of the biggest challenges was achieving color 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 Soret’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 Soret’s work, and their close collaboration ensured that the color palette seamlessly integrated with the film’s visual aesthetic. Speaking on the experience, Soret notes, “It was a privilege to work with a cinematographer so knowledgeable.“

Ultimately, color 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 color 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 theaters globally and will soon be available to watch on demand, bringing its powerful storytelling and stunning visuals to a broader audience.