Movie Review: Milk

By Justin Velasquez
January 4, 2009

The latest in a long line of biopics, Milk is certainly one of the timeliest.  With Proposition 8 in the midst of controversy in the state of California it is very fitting that director Gus Van Sant presented to us this very good film.

Milk is about the life of politician Harvey Milk (Oscar winner Sean Penn).  Though Milk wasn't a president or a senator, he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and his victory brought about an obvious change - he was the first openly gay man to hold public office.  His tenure was the result of a long run as an activist for gay rights.  Milk wanted the city of San Francisco to see that there was nothing wrong with being gay - his passion and generosity would spread nationwide as the topic of homosexuality and gay rights came under fire in the 1970's.  Harvey Milk's legacy will forever be remembered because his astounding courage was felt by all and he was able to touch the lives of those he came across. 

Harvey Milk, with his personality and his actions, is representative of a good person and human being.  He saw the good in others and never judged anyone by their appearance because he himself probably was.  He reached out not only to the gay community but to people of all walks of life.  His life is one to be admired not only for his accomplishments in office but because of his actions as a person.  Though Harvey Milk left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of those who knew him his life was tragically cut short when a fellow supervisor named Dan White tragically murdered him and San Francisco's mayor.

Milk's personal life is in full display as he meets and falls in love with Scott Smith (James Franco, Pineapple Express & the Spider-Man films).  They move out to San Francisco together and open a small business called Castro Camera.  Castro Camera would later serve as headquarters for Milk's political campaigns and Scott served as his campaign manager.  But as couples go, Scott became tired of Harvey's constant attention on political issues and his lack of attention on the relationship.  They broke up and both did see others but it was obvious that Harvey and Scott were soulmates.  Van Sant made a wise move to highlight Milk's personal life because in spite of his sexual preference he loves and hurts just like any straight person.

Milk is an inspiration to anyone who lacks the courage to stand up for themselves.  Harvey was able to stave off the stereotypes that plagued him and other homosexuals and indirectly united the nation.  Honestly, Harvey was an ordinary man who just wanted to be happy and do what he wanted.  His political actions came about because he saw that people like himself couldn't be truly happy unless were afforded the same rights as others.  In truth everyone is ordinary - it's their actions that truly make them extraordinary.    

Gus Van Sant has made a very good film that in my opinion surpasses his last true hit, Good Will Hunting.  Though not as artistic as his earlier 2008 release, Paranoid Park, Milk is much more accessible and certainly well worth a viewing.  Milk is thoughtful, insightful, funny and honest.  The film is littered with great performances - Sean Penn is simply amazing in this role and every time his name is mentioned it's synonymous with Oscar.  James Franco is as impressive in this as he was funny in Pineapple Express.  Emile Hirsh backs up his performance in 2007's Into the Wild with a memorable turn as community organizer Cleve Jones.  And in another crafty role is Josh Brolin (W. & 2007's No Country for Old Men) as Dan White. 

In the late 70's Harvey Milk was able to motivate others to stand up and be themelves.  With this feature his legacy may be able to do that for another generation. 

3.5 Stars out of Four