Day
155 Milk
[2008]
Screenplay Dustin Lance Black
Director Gus Van Sant
Cinematography Harris Savides
Music Danny
Elfman
Leads Sean
Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, Alison Pill, James Franco, Victor
Garber, Denis O’Hare, Lucas Grabeel, Joseph Cross
Production Axon Films, Groundswell Productions, Jinks/Cohen
Company
IMDb 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes 94%
Penn
may be a massive pretentious phallus in real life, but he’s not too bad at
acting. In this he plays the first openly gay elected official in California, Harvey
Milk. Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in the 70s,
having not been involved in politics nor open about his homosexuality until he
was 40. Sean Penn plays him to perfection and won the Academy Award for his
portrayal. His supporting cast aren’t bad either, with Franco, Hirsch and
Brolin giving great performances, each character so different. It’s an
inspiring story and the type of movie that makes one so angry at people. I yet
again found myself asking how America could call itself the most advanced
country in the world and yet have such a backward understanding of basic human
rights. It’s attitude towards minorities still astounds me to this day and that
is why Harvey Milk is such a wonderful figure for the homosexual minority, not
only in San Francisco and California, but also in America and perhaps the
world. The movie sticks to the real story of Milk and all those involved in the
true events have expressed their approval of the film and Penn’s portrayal of
Milk. Even far right Christian groups have voiced no opposition to the film, or
even to their arguments that are shown in the film. An inspirational film, well
worth a watch, perhaps just for Penn’s performance.
Acting 4 / 4
Writing 3 / 4
Cinematography 3 / 4
Music 3 / 4
HWF rating 3 / 4
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