Movie Review - Milk Posted by Matt Smith 29 January, 2009 - 2:20 PM

Milk

Starring Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco and Emile Hirsh.



'Milk' is the true story of the rise and fall of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in the United States. Sean Penn is superb as the charismatic Milk who moves from New York in the 1970's to San Francisco where he goes about creating a gay community in an area where such sexuality is frowned upon.

Harvey Milk's political aspirations are set into motion almost immediately after he sets up a camera shop in the area of San Francisco known as 'The Castro'. A fellow shop owner lets him know (in no uncertain terms) that there a special extra taxes for people like himself and his partner Scott (James Franco). Harvey's fight for equal rights virtually begins from this point until the films climax where he successfully fights against Proposition 6, a law which would make firing people for their sexual orientation perfectly legal.

'Milk' is a fantastic example of how films can educate as much as entertain. Many filmgoers will not be familiar with the story of Harvey Milk, but his story is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a person stands up against prejudices. It is not just a story about the discrimination of gay people in America in the 1970's, but of discrimination and injustice of all forms. After the assassination of Milk by a work colleague, an estimated 30, 000 people made a peaceful march from 'The Castro' to the steps of San Francisco's Town Hall, highlighting the impact Milk had made on the residents of his adopted city.   

Sean Penn's performance proves why he is regarded as one of Hollywood's greatest actors; he will definitely be Mickey Rourke's (The Wrestler) biggest hurdle for Oscar glory this year. James Franco (last seen as a stoner in Pineapple Express) is superb as Milk's first true love Scott. Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men) is also wonderful as Milk's fellow city supervisor and his eventual killer.

Instead of director Gus Van Sant making the film for a select few, he has managed to make a film which has mass appeal for all. The long art like sequences of his previous films (like Elephant) have been replaced with a more straightforward approach, blending seamlessly old footage of San Francisco in the 1970's. Like most biopics (which often have an appreciative, fan element about them) Van Sant has left out some details of Milk's life which may have offered a greater insight into the man. There is very little evidence of Milk's apparently notorious temper, nor is his relationship with ditzy dropout Jack (Diego Luna) ever properly rationalised.

Despite these minor flaws, 'Milk' is a fantastic film and one which everybody should take the opportunity to see. It will appeal to those with a social conscious and may just help to ease prejudices out of those souls that may need it.  

Four out of Five Stars

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