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Do you believe in Harvey Milk?
While most people might not know how to answer this question going into director Gus Van Sant's (Paranoid Park) new film, Milk reveals the true story of California's first openly gay elected official.
At the age of 40, Milk became fed up with the intolerance towards the gay community in New York, moving to San Francisco with his boyfriend Scott Smith (James Franco, Pineapple Express). However, in the early 1970s, Milk discovered that things were not much different in the City by the Bay.
Though it was not his initial intention in life, a series of events led Milk to become a politician and prominent voice for the gay community. His story is one of determination, ability and conviction. Still, Milk is not just a film about gay rights; rather, it is a story about human rights in general.
What is truly special about the film is how it successfully tells the story. There is nothing in this film that will excite audiences visually but, in this rare case, there does not need to be. The actors and screenplay (written by first-time writer Dustin Lance Black) carry the film and keep viewers intrigued throughout.
Penn's portrayal of the politician confirms that he is one of the most talented and versatile actors working today. Besides his powerful and convincing performance, Penn demonstrates his ability to transform into any character. His intense depiction is eerily natural and deserving of all of the Oscar nomination buzz surrounding his performance.
Additionally, Josh Brolin (W.) gives an exceptional performance as Dan White, Milk's former colleague on the board of supervisors who murdered both Milk and San Francisco mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber, Justice).
The release of this film could not have been more perfectly timed. Just three decades after Harvey Milk (Sean Penn, All the King's Men) achieved a milestone for civil rights, the state in which he once held office appears to have taken a major step backward. With the passing of California's amendment to ban same-sex marriage (Proposition 8), the relevance of this film has only been magnified.
Though Milk deals with serious subject matter, it avoids coming across as overly dark. There is a truly human element that shines through as the actors' depictions show care and respect. This gives the film a well-crafted balance of social consciousness and heart.
Milk is by far the most interesting, informative and moving film of the year.
