Death Proof's Lee Montgomery: Unpacking Mary Elizabeth Winstead's Iconic Viper

Lee Montgomery. Just the name brings up images of cool cars and even cooler women. In Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof, she's not just eye candy. She's a gearhead, a Viper, and part of a crew that kicks some serious butt. Death Proof is a wild ride. It's Tarantino's tribute to grindhouse cinema. It was released as part of a double feature with Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror. This article digs into Lee Montgomery. We're looking at Mary Elizabeth Winstead's killer performance. We'll see how the Vipers matter. Finally, we'll see why the film stays with us.

Who is Lee Montgomery? Character Breakdown

Lee Montgomery isn't just another face in the crowd. Her character has layers. She shows strength when you least expect it.

From Good Girl to Gearhead: Initial Impressions

At first, Lee seems like the sweet, maybe innocent one. But that changes fast. She knows cars. She's confident. When things get real, she steps up. This isn't your typical damsel in distress. Winstead gives her a tough edge. She makes Lee believable.

Driving Force: Lee's Contribution to the Vipers

Lee brings more than just looks to the Vipers. She's got skills. She's got guts. That makes her a key part of the team. She adds to the group's dynamic. Her know-how helps them face Stuntman Mike. She knows how to handle herself.

Signature Style: Lee's Costumes and Appearance

Lee's look is simple, but it works. Jeans, t-shirts, and a touch of rock and roll. Her clothes show her down-to-earth personality. She's not trying too hard. Her style reflects her journey. It evolves from a good girl to a fighter.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead: Bringing Lee Montgomery to Life

Mary Elizabeth Winstead nails the role of Lee Montgomery. She makes the character her own. Winstead's performance is one of the best parts of the movie.

Winstead's Transformation: From Actress to Action Star

Winstead had been in movies before. But Death Proof showed she could do action. She's not just acting tough. She looks tough. This film was a turning point. It showed she could be an action star. People took notice.

Behind the Scenes: Winstead's Preparation and Training

Winstead worked hard for the driving scenes. She trained to make them real. That commitment shows on screen. She wanted to do the character justice. She spent time learning the stunts.

Critical Acclaim: Winstead's Performance in Death Proof

Critics liked Winstead as Lee Montgomery. Audiences did too. They saw her strength. They liked her attitude. People felt she brought something special to the role.

The Vipers: Sisterhood and Strength in Numbers

The Vipers are more than just a group of friends. They support each other. They show what women can do when they team up.

Girl Power: The Vipers' Dynamic and Relationships

Lee, Abernathy, Kim, and Zoë have a strong bond. They joke around. They have each other's backs. That connection makes them powerful. It makes them fun to watch.

Beyond Victims: The Vipers' Agency and Empowerment

The Vipers don't wait to be saved. They take charge. They fight back against Stuntman Mike. They refuse to be victims. This is a big part of what makes the movie so cool. They make their own choices.

Iconic Scenes: The Vipers' Most Memorable Moments

The car chase is a classic. The Vipers are tough and smart. Their banter is funny and sharp. These scenes stick with you. They capture the spirit of the movie.

Death Proof's Impact and Legacy

Death Proof changed things. It showed women in a new light. It brought back a classic film style. Its influence is still felt today.

Reclaiming the Road: Death Proof's Feminist Undertones

The film has strong feminist themes. Women are in control. They are independent. They defy stereotypes. Death Proof showed that women could be action heroes.

Grindhouse Revival: Death Proof's Place in Film History

Death Proof helped bring back grindhouse cinema. This style is raw and gritty. It's all about action and thrills. The film paid tribute to the movies of the past. It brought them to a new audience.

Influencing Action Cinema: Death Proof's Enduring Appeal

The movie has impacted action films. More films now have strong female leads. Death Proof showed that women could carry an action movie.

Lee Montgomery: A Lasting Impression

Lee Montgomery is more than just a character. She's a symbol of strength. She shows how women can stand up for themselves.

Winstead's acting is great. The Vipers are a force to be reckoned with. The film's message is powerful. Lee Montgomery remains a favorite. She's cool, tough, and unforgettable. Her role continues to resonate.### Key Points

- Research suggests Lee Montgomery, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead in "Death Proof," is part of a group of women targeted by Stuntman Mike.

- It seems likely "Vipers" refers to a fan-created term for custom cheerleader uniforms inspired by her character, not an official movie element.

- The evidence leans toward no official "Vipers" group in the film, with merchandise like uniforms being fan-driven, an unexpected connection to fan culture.

### Character and Movie Context

Lee Montgomery, portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, is a character in the 2007 film "Death Proof," directed by Quentin Tarantino. The movie, part of the Grindhouse double feature, follows two groups of women stalked by a psychopathic stunt driver, Stuntman Mike, played by Kurt Russell. Lee is in the second group, which includes Abernathy (Rosario Dawson) and Zoë Bell, and they ultimately fight back against Stuntman Mike.

### Vipers Connection

"Vipers" does not appear in the movie's script or plot as an official group or team. Instead, it seems to be a term used in custom merchandise, such as cheerleader uniforms labeled "Death Proof Lee Montgomery (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) Vipers Cheerleader Uniform," available at retailers like [BORIz](http://www.borizsportsjersey.com/cheerleader-1/death-proof-lee-montgomery-mary-elizabeth-winstead-vipers-cheerleader-uniform). This suggests "Vipers" is a fan-created concept, possibly inspired by the group's tough, snake-like resilience, rather than a canonical part of the film.

---

### Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of Lee Montgomery, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and "Vipers" in "Death Proof"

Lee Montgomery, portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead in the 2007 American slasher thriller film "Death Proof," directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a character within a narrative that explores themes of exploitation cinema and female empowerment. The query "Death Proof Lee Montgomery (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) Vipers" suggests an inquiry into the character Lee Montgomery, her role, and the association with "Vipers," potentially exploring a team, group, or merchandise connection. Research indicates that "Vipers" is not an official element of the film but rather a fan-driven term linked to custom merchandise, particularly cheerleader uniforms. This analysis delves into the character's background, the movie's context, the "Vipers" connection, and its cultural implications, providing a detailed examination supported by citations and organized tables.

#### Background on "Death Proof" and Lee Montgomery

"Death Proof," released on April 6, 2007, as part of the Grindhouse double feature alongside Robert Rodriguez's "Planet Terror," is Tarantino's homage to 1970s exploitation films, with a runtime of 1 hour 53 minutes and an R rating for strong graphic violence, language, and drug use, grossing $30.7 million worldwide, as detailed in [Death Proof - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Proof). The film is divided into two segments: "Chase 1: The Accident" and "Chase 2: The Revenge," following Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell), a psychopathic stunt driver who uses his "death-proof" car to kill women, targeting two separate groups.

Lee Montgomery, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, appears in the second segment, "Chase 2: The Revenge," alongside Abernathy (Rosario Dawson), Zoë Bell (playing herself), and Kim (Tracie Thoms). This group, consisting of women in their 20s, is depicted as tougher and more resilient, ultimately turning the tables on Stuntman Mike in a high-speed chase, as noted in [Death Proof (2007) - Plot - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1028528/plotsummary/). Winstead's portrayal of Lee, a character known for her wit and strength, contributes to the film's feminist undertones, with reviews highlighting her performance, as seen in [Death Proof | Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/death_proof).

#### The Character Lee Montgomery

Lee Montgomery is not a deeply developed character in terms of backstory, fitting the film's grindhouse aesthetic of archetypal roles. She is part of a group of friends, including Abernathy and Zoë, who are stunt performers and actresses, spending time at a bar before being targeted by Stuntman Mike. Her role becomes pivotal in the chase sequence, where she and her friends use their skills to outmaneuver him, culminating in a cathartic final freeze frame, as mentioned in [Death Proof: The Payoff Is the Point | Film Obsessive](https://filmobsessive.com/film/film-analysis/filmmakers/death-proof-the-payoff-is-the-point/). The character's name, Lee Montgomery, does not appear to have a specific significance beyond the film's narrative, and there is no indication of her being part of a team or group called "Vipers" within the movie.

#### The "Vipers" Connection

The term "Vipers" does not appear in the movie's script, as confirmed by reviewing [Death Proof Script | Scripts.com](https://www.scripts.com/script/death_proof_6587), nor is it mentioned in plot summaries or character descriptions on [IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1028528/). However, web searches reveal custom merchandise, such as "Death Proof Lee Montgomery (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) Vipers Cheerleader Uniform," available at [BORIz](http://www.borizsportsjersey.com/cheerleader-1/death-proof-lee-montgomery-mary-elizabeth-winstead-vipers-cheerleader-uniform), priced at approximately $49.99 to $59.99, with shipping times of 3-5 weeks, catering to fans. Sizes range from youth extra small to adult 5 large, with a detailed size chart provided, reflecting broad appeal.

This merchandise suggests "Vipers" is a fan-created term, possibly inspired by the group's snake-like resilience or a nod to the "Deadly Vipers" from Tarantino's "Kill Bill," though not canonically linked. Fan discussions on platforms like [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/MaryElizabethWinstead/comments/pdyquw/mary_elizabeth_winstead_death_proof_vipers/) describe the uniform as "the hottest cheerleader ever," indicating a fan-driven interpretation, not a movie element. The cheerleader uniform, an unexpected connection, aligns with the film's exploitation aesthetic, where characters are often sexualized, but there is no on-screen depiction of Lee as a cheerleader or part of a "Vipers" team.

#### Cultural Impact and Legacy

"Death Proof" received mixed reviews, with a 67% Tomatometer on [Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/death_proof), praised for its car chase sequences and feminist message, as noted in [Death Proof: Tarantino’s Most Underrated Movie (And My Favorite) | Medium](https://gabrielleulubay.medium.com/death-proof-tarantinos-most-underrated-movie-and-my-favorite-3d36afe5040). Lee Montgomery's role, while secondary to Zoë Bell's stunt-driven performance, contributes to the film's cult following, with merchandise like the "Vipers" uniform reflecting fan engagement. This fan culture, an interesting aspect, extends the film's legacy beyond its theatrical run, with custom items available on platforms like [Spotern](https://www.spotern.com/en/product/8147), enhancing its appeal to collectors.

#### Table: Key Cast and Characters in "Death Proof"

| **Actor** | **Character** | **Role Description** |

|----------------------|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|

| Kurt Russell | Stuntman Mike | Psychopathic stunt driver, antagonist |

| Mary Elizabeth Winstead | Lee Montgomery | Part of the second group, fights back |

| Rosario Dawson | Abernathy | Stunt performer, part of the second group |

| Zoë Bell | Herself | Stuntwoman, key in the chase sequence |

| Tracie Thoms | Kim | Part of the second group, supports the fight |

#### Table: Jersey Purchase Details

| **Aspect** | **Details** |

|---------------------|--------------------------------------------------|

| **Product Name** | Death Proof Lee Montgomery (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) Vipers Cheerleader Uniform |

| **Price Range** | $49.99 - $59.99 |

| **Customization** | STITCH SEWN GRAPHICS, ALL SIZES AVAILABLE |

| **Sizes Available** | Youth XS to Adult 5L, Bust 20"-45", Waist 18"-41", Top Length 14"-21", Skirt Length 10"-16" |

| **Shipping Time** | 3-5 weeks with online tracking |

| **Retailer Example**| [BORIz](http://www.borizsportsjersey.com/cheerleader-1/death-proof-lee-montgomery-mary-elizabeth-winstead-vipers-cheerleader-uniform) |

This comprehensive analysis clarifies that "Vipers" is a fan-driven term linked to custom merchandise, not an official movie element, addressing the query's focus on Lee Montgomery and her association, supported by detailed citations and organized tables.

### Key Citations

- [Death Proof - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Proof)

- [Death Proof (2007) - Plot - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1028528/plotsummary/)

- [Death Proof | Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/death_proof)

- [Death Proof Script | Scripts.com](https://www.scripts.com/script/death_proof_6587)

- [Death Proof: The Payoff Is the Point | Film Obsessive](https://filmobsessive.com/film/film-analysis/filmmakers/death-proof-the-payoff-is-the-point/)

- [Death Proof: Tarantino’s Most Underrated Movie (And My Favorite) | Medium](https://gabrielleulubay.medium.com/death-proof-tarantinos-most-underrated-movie-and-my-favorite-3d36afe5040)

- [Death Proof Lee Montgomery (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) Vipers Cheerleader Uniform — BORIZ](http://www.borizsportsjersey.com/cheerleader-1/death-proof-lee-montgomery-mary-elizabeth-winstead-vipers-cheerleader-uniform)

- [r/MaryElizabethWinstead on Reddit: Mary Elizabeth Winstead - Death Proof - Vipers Uniform](https://www.reddit.com/r/MaryElizabethWinstead/comments/pdyquw/mary_elizabeth_winstead_death_proof_vipers/)

- [The holding of pom pom girl "Vipers" of Lee Montgomery in " Boulevard of death | Spotern](https://www.spotern.com/en/spot/movie/death-proof/8237/the-holding-of-pom-pom-girl-vipers-of-lee-montgomery-in-boulevard-of-death)Alright, let’s dive into the world of Quentin Tarantino's *Death Proof* and shine a light on one of its most intriguing characters: Lee Montgomery, played by the talented Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Now, if you’ve seen the movie, you might remember her as the cheerleader with "Vipers" emblazoned on her outfit. But Lee is more than just a catchy reference to Tarantino’s *Kill Bill* Deadly Viper Assassination Squad; she represents a deeper narrative about friendship and survival in a film that’s all about women confronting danger (Nemiroff, 2025). First off, let’s talk about Lee's situation. She finds herself in a pretty precarious position when her friends decide to leave her with Stuntman Mike—a total creep who's known for his deadly antics. This moment is pivotal because it highlights how easily friendships can falter under pressure. Winstead herself reflected on this abandonment in an interview, noting that it was “pretty messed up” (Winstead, 2021). Here we have Lee—someone who thought she was part of the group—left behind while her friends take what they think is just a joyride. It’s a stark reminder that sometimes people we trust can make decisions that put us in harm's way. The “Vipers” moniker isn’t just there for flair; it carries weight within the context of female empowerment and camaraderie among women facing adversity. The Vipers symbolize strength but also vulnerability—the duality every woman knows all too well (Nemiroff, 2025). In their cheerleader outfits, they might look cute and innocent, but these women are far from helpless.
**Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Lee Montgomery in *Death Proof* and the "Vipers" Connection**

In Quentin Tarantino's *Death Proof* (2007), **Mary Elizabeth Winstead** plays **Lee Montgomery**, a member of a group of friends targeted by the murderous stuntman "Stuntman Mike" (Kurt Russell). Here's a breakdown of her role and the context of "Vipers" in the film:

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### **Lee Montgomery's Role in *Death Proof***

- **Character:** Lee is part of a trio of friends (alongside **Jungle Julia** and **Shanna**) in the first half of the film. She is portrayed as a witty, laid-back radio DJ.

- **Fate:** Lee survives Stuntman Mike's initial attack but is later replaced by a new group of women (including **Zoë Bell** and **Kim Mathis**) in the film’s second half.

---

### **The "Vipers" Reference**

The term **"Vipers"** does not directly appear in *Death Proof*. However, it might be conflated with:

1. **The Cars:**

- Stuntman Mike’s **1970 Chevy Nova** (his "death-proof" killing machine).

- The women’s **1970 Dodge Charger** (used in the climactic chase).

- The **Dodge Viper** is a different car model not featured in the film.

2. **Fan Interpretations:**

- Some fans refer to the vengeful women in the second half as metaphorical "vipers" due to their fierce retaliation against Stuntman Mike.

3. **Possible Mix-Ups:**

- **"Vipers"** could be confused with **"The Vanishing Point"** (a 1971 car chase film referenced in *Death Proof*’s Dodge Charger scenes).

- The term might also stem from Tarantino’s love of grindhouse cinema, where "viper" slang occasionally appears.

---

### **Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Legacy in the Film**

Though her screen time is limited, Winstead’s performance as Lee Montgomery showcases her early talent for balancing humor and intensity. Her character’s survival (unlike her friends) adds a layer of irony to Stuntman Mike’s eventual downfall.

---

### **Key Scenes**

- **The Crash:** Lee’s friends are killed in a staged car crash orchestrated by Stuntman Mike.

- **The Climax:** The second group of women (including stuntwoman Zoë Bell) pursue Mike in a white Dodge Charger, leading to a high-speed showdown.

---

**Why It Matters:**

*Death Proof* is a love letter to 1970s car chase films and exploitation cinema. While "Vipers" isn’t a direct reference, the movie’s focus on cars, revenge, and female empowerment cements its cult status.

🚗 *Stream *Death Proof* on Max or Amazon Prime to catch Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s role and the adrenaline-fueled car stunts!* 🎬