Milk Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
His life changed history. His courage changed lives.
Never blend in
Using flashbacks from a statement recorded late in life and archival footage for atmosphere, this film traces Harvey Milk's career from his 40th birthday to his death. He leaves the closet and New York, opens a camera shop that becomes the salon for San Francisco's growing gay community, and organizes gays' purchasing power to build political alliances. He runs for office with lover Scott Smith as his campaign manager. Victory finally comes on the same day Dan White wins in the city's conservative district. The rest of the film sketches Milk's relationship with White and the 1978 fight against a statewide initiative to bar gays and their supporters from public school jobs.
| Sean Penn | Harvey Milk |
| Josh Brolin | Dan White |
| Emile Hirsch | Cleve Jones |
| James Franco | Scott Smith |
| Diego Luna | Jack Lira |
| Brandon Boyce | Jim Rivaldo |
| Kelvin Yu | Michael Wong |
| Lucas Grabeel | Danny Nicoletta |
| Alison Pill | Anne Kronenberg |
| Victor Garber | Mayor George Moscone |
| Denis O'Hare | State Senator John Briggs |
| Howard Rosenman | David Goodstein |
| Stephen Spinella | Rick Stokes |
| Ted Jan Roberts | Dennis Peron |
| Tom Ammiano | Himself |
| Gus Van Sant |
8.00 out of 10 (27116 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Thought-Provoking and Sensational!!
posted on 24 Aug 2009Gus Van Sant and Sean Penn have proved themselves Oscar-worthy is this sensational biopic of the life of the first openly gay man elected to major office, Harvey Milk. 'Milk' is for all people; gay, straight, and bisexual people will enjoy this film equally. From the opening scene, you know you are in for something thought-provoking. Harvey Milk is sitting at his table, recording a message to be played after his death. Then we cut to a shot of a reporter saying that Milk and Mayor Moscone have been shot and killed. The remainder of the film is Harvey Milk's journey through his mid-life up until his death. Milk deals with prejudice towards his sexual beliefs and tries to change the nation's thought on homosexuality by running for major office in California. Once he is elected, he faces more problems as Proposition 6 is about to be passed. It's only a matter of time until someone gets angry with Milk and decides to deal with the matter themselves...It is not all that surprising when we discover who kills Milk and Mayor George Moscone, but it is all the more thought-provoking.This was a phenomenal look into politics and equality among all men, and was very inspirational and moving from the opening scene to the closing credits. Sean Penn gives an electrifying performance as Harvey Milk, and deserves all the praise the media can offer him. Writer Dustin Lance Black and director Gus Van Sant were terrific at making Harvey Milk's life a journey through prejudice an entertaining yet powerful motion picture. James Franco and Josh Brolin were fantastic as well. This film will have you thinking for days about your true beliefs about equality among individuals. Altogether, this wonderful film has Oscar written all over it. Go see 'Milk', because you will surely not be disappointed!
Good film, outstanding Penn
posted on 22 Aug 2009Not being American and not being gay I had no idea what this film was about. I had not read any reviews of it and I went to see it because I am an unconditional fan of Sean Penn as an actor (not so much as a director). And I have to say that my intuition was correct - this is another superb performance from the man. From a physical standpoint, his depiction of Harvey Milk is uncontrived and extremely well observed. From the standpoint of character, merit must be shared with Director van Sant and the screen writing team but he certainly emerges as a plausible, life-like person with qualities such as generosity, love, caring for his neighbour (especially if gay), and a positive ambition for politics, along with the flaws of backstabbing and selfishness that any politician must have to survive. Most interesting of all, though, is the conflict that pits Penn and Josh Brolin in the role of fellow San Francisco Mayor's Office supervisor Dan White. They could not be more different: Milk is gay - a status largely unaccepted and even derided at the time - while White is heterosexual, married, and with children to boost his image as a more conventional politician. Yet, as the film wears on one realizes how much more unbalanced, vindictive, politically incorrect and ultimately murderous White is and how the unacceptably gay Milk is the type of person society really needs to grow because of his ability to listen, care, get involved, and share thoughts. Brolin and Franco ably support Penn with outstanding performances. Director van Sant reconstructs the San Francisco of the 1970's with great conviction and attention to detail (his depiction of the crowds in hippie and liberal attire is astonishing). Historic events surface unobtrusively, keeping the film chronologically situated and credible, in addition to providing much needed information that never interferes with the development of the central character and the action around him. In addition to excellent and never pervasive camera work, Van Sant uses the flashback technique in a far subtler way than I have seen in any film I can remember. Having watched the competition for the Academy Awards (apart from The Reader) I would confidently vote for Penn as best actor, van Sant as best director, and Milk as best picture.
Human, not just gay, rights
posted on 22 Aug 2009Sean Penn is "Milk" - Harvey Milk, that is - in this 2008 film directed by Gus van Sant and also starring James Franco, Josh Brolin, Victor Garber, and Alison Pill. The film takes through Milk's life from the time he hit 40 and "hadn't done anything" until his assassination in 1978 at the hands of his angry ex-colleague, Dan White (Brolin) in 1978. Mayor George Moscone was also killed by White the same day. The trial became famous for the "Twinkie defense" when White's attorneys claimed he was chemically imbalanced because of eating a lot of junk food. He only served five years in prison, but two years after being released, he killed himself.Harvey Milk's story is a remarkable and inspiring one, and van Sant gives it full breadth here - Milk's commitment and passion to the cause of gay/human rights, his determination despite losing three elections, his quick mind, and his boundless energy. Despite a wave of hate against gays moving across the country, he helped to convince California voters to defeat Proposition 6, which would have allowed the firing of gay teachers and school workers.The story remains timely in its reminder of the progress of gay rights and also its challenges, which are the same as they were then, the opposition of fundamentalist Christians.I was around during this period in history. I well remember Anita Bryant and Dade County, but I admit to not having much idea of what was going on in the rest of the country. It was an eye-opener for someone who went to music school, pursued a theater career in New York and had many gay friends, some of whom were "in the closet." Milk invited everyone out of the closet so that people would realize that gays made up their neighbors, their teachers, their doctors, their friends, etc. He felt it was important to be who you are and to set an example so that young people wouldn't hate themselves for being different and would be unafraid of their true identity.The performances are brilliant all the way down the line. I have said for some time that while I love Johnny Depp, I consider Sean Penn the greatest actor in films. He doesn't portray Milk, he inhabits the man. He's likable, sympathetic, courageous, funny, warm, smart, and energetic as Milk himself must have been to inspire so many people. It's a tour de force. James Franco, in another chameleon performance, is a standout as Harvey's boyfriend Scott.Truly a great film, a great script, an interesting slice of history, a searing performance by Penn. A must see.
A wonderful film; I was deeply affected by it
posted on 20 Aug 2009"Milk" is a true story film about Harvey Milk, the first openly gay supervisor for San Francisco, and his campaign for supervisor. Throughout the film, you see many pros and cons on homosexuality and you see the strength and integrity of Harvey Milk all the way through the end when Harvey Milk is assassinated.This is an amazing film. I was deeply affected by it. Sean Penn was magnificent as the slain supervisor, and I love the messages that are brought out. One is that anyone can run for supervisor, and two, prejudice can be beaten.Although I'm not gay, I do think that gay marriage should be legal and that people must realize that this is a civil rights issue, and I'm glad that this man started a generation of people that would stand up and say, "Enough. This must stop." Please see it. It's magnificent.
Milk was an educational and entertaining look at the slain San Francisco Supervisor
posted on 18 Aug 2009My friend (who is gay) and I came into this movie knowing not too much about Harvey Milk other than his assassination and his activist stance and came out learning much more about his lifestyle and the reasons why he did what he did. Director Gus Van Sant and actor Sean Penn bring this movie about the San Francisco Supervisor to life with humor and much admiration of how he kept going with his beliefs despite some death threats and a couple of troubled relationships (as depicted with James Franco and Diego Luna). Also compelling were documentary footage of singer Anita Bryant and her constant fight against what she implied were threats against the children of the world among others. It was also refreshing to hear that even Ronald Reagan was with Jerry Brown and Jimmy Carter against Proposition 6. So all I need to say is if you want to see something both dramatically compelling and educational too, I highly recommend Milk.
Milk is a masterpiece!
posted on 18 Aug 2009It was difficult for me to stand up after seeing Gus Van Sant's masterful MILK. The lights had already come on so my puffy eyes could be hid no longer but I had forgotten how to move. I was too engulfed with sadness and dismay. All I could think about was how far we think we've come as a supposed progressive people. Harvey Milk, the man whose story Van Sant is telling, was elected into public office in the late '70's in San Francisco. He was the first openly gay man to be elected to any significant level of government in American history. He was also shot and killed after being in office for less than a year. His last major political accomplishment was successfully campaigning to defeat a bill called Proposition 6. This bill would call for the dismissal of all openly gay school teachers and any persons who supported them. The bill had already passed in a number of other states and fear was mounting that even the country's most gay-friendly city might follow suit. Harvey wouldn't have it and ultimately, neither would San Francisco, or all of California for that matter. Why then are gay men and women still struggling to be treated like human beings to this day?MILK picks up Harvey Milk's life in the eight years preceeding his assassination. In that time, he meets a man who would become his lover for many years; he moves from New York to San Francisco to find new challenges; and he runs a number of times for public office as an out and proud gay man. He also loses a number of times but Milk was not a man who could easily be deterred from his very important goal. It was Milk's mission to represent his people; to show the city he loved that the gay population was one of the reasons that the city itself was so well loved by all who visited and that they too had a powerful and reasonable voice. Milk was committed to making sure that voice was heard. Van Sant, an openly gay man himself, is just as committed to the cause but his part is very different. Even today, the image of the gay man is still being sold to mainstream, or straight if you will, audiences in a delicate way. Van Sant's Milk is an ambitious entrepreneur. He has a strong character, funny and flighty one moment, romantic and intimate the next and always dedicated to the bigger picture outside of himself. Apparently, painting the gay man as human is still necessary because many still haven't figured it out for themselves.Of course, Van Sant can't get all the credit as he is only as strong as his parts. In this case, his parts are all perfect. "Big Love" staff writer, Dustin Lance Black's sensitive screenplay is heartbreaking and genuine. Director of photography, Harris Savides, who has brought a dreamlike lucidity to Van Sant twice before on GERRY and ELEPHANT, goes back and forth between archival and new footage seamlessly planting the viewer in both the historical context and the surrounding human drama. Danny Elfman fills the soft space with a score so layered, it can easily be described as his most original work in recent memory. And then of course, there are the men. I will never describe a straight man playing a gay role as an act of bravery. I will, however, always applaud an actor's ability to shed their entire ego and transform into another being so fearlessly. The caliber of the mostly male ensemble cast of MILK seems raised by a desire to do justice to this important man and the difference he made. James Franco as Milk's longtime lover continues to show versatility that I never expected by embodying support and strength. Josh Brolin, as the fellow city supervisor who ultimately kills Milk, gives a ferociously internal performance that is in constant turmoil. And though I have never been as huge a Sean Penn fan as most would appear to be, I am a devout admirer now. Penn's performance is a rarely achieved transformation – one so believable and so gripping that it lifts the entire film to new levels of excellence and inspiration.MILK is not only a Gus Van Sant career high but also an instant American film classic and a contemporary gay film masterpiece that, like the revelatory BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, transcends the gay experience and steps firmly into the human experience. If only for that reason alone, MILK has the potential to be more than a film and be part of a movement. After all, if there is one thing that Harvey Milk fought so hard for for so long, it was to be seen as a man who deserves the same human rights as his neighbours. Thirty years after his death, the fight he fought is still ongoing and thanks to Van Sant, Harvey Milk is back to help make sure it finally gets won.
Empowering and Eye-opening.
posted on 18 Aug 2009To be honest I knew nothing about Harvey Milk. Who he was, what he did, nothing. But I think that it made the movie all the more amazing to watch because in this process I learned.Everyone should see this movie. Not only does it educate us on San Fransisco history but it also educates us all on what is currently going on in the world and how important civil rights are to EVERYONE. I wish this film came out during the battle with No on Prop 8 because I think it would of made an impact on those who didn't understand the prop.I am so empowered by Milk. He has now become one of my heroes and I am motivated to learn more about him and those who support his movement.As far as the acting goes. I heard Matt Damon was originally casted as Milk. I am glad Matt Damon didn't do it because he has a specific image which would make it difficult for me to see him as Milk. Penn was casted perfectly as Milk. I was very impressed by his acting. He was very genuine and believable. Franco, who plays Milks lover, was also someone I was very impressed with. Franco, is now one of my favorite actors because he choose to do this film.Overall, I highly recommend Milk. I usually not a fan of biography type movies but this one is amazing. Watch it!
Amazing & Important
posted on 16 Aug 2009Milk is a Fabulous film.in every way. trough it's photography and coloring...it takes us right back to the optimistic era in the 70-ies in which we find ourselves in San Fransisco in the gay-rights-activists scene off-which Harvey Milk was the Motor. Wow the acting of Sean Penn is beyond believe ! He really becomes Harvey Milk and his every breath say's so in this movie.Gus van Sandt brings us this important film in the right time...just now f.i in m my country , Gay right are very much in decline of acceptance due to various morals , laid upon us by so called religious tendencies. a dangerous development.more and more the gay's are getting back in the closet in fear of being beaten up or whatever.., f.i.in the city of Amsterdam what used to be ' the gay Capital of the world'.a shame. so lets watch MILK and realize the struggle these people had to go trough...and realize the difference in our humanity...and realize that God (if there is one)created everyone of us Gay's heterosexuals alike. Milk is a touching and inspiring hopeful film with a very sad ending. It gives us a totally believable account of what had happened.
Sean Penn Is God!
posted on 16 Aug 2009Gus Van Sant's 'Milk' is a very good and honest film. A film that being a Biopic isn't boring. The film shows the political side of the late congressman Harvey Milk. Leaving aside too many gay kissing scenes,It is a very well made/written film is all respects. A thumps up for this brave flick! 'Milk' works and only works because of Sean Penn. He got the Oscar award recently for Best Actor, and he deserved ever bit of it. He's outstanding. Honestly, words fail to speak about his portrayal. He doesn't play Harvey Milk, but lives Harvery Milk. He's the best actor of our time, an actor who won't go down as a Legend or a evergreen actor. Sean Penn = Acting. He's the GOD of Acting. I Salute you Sir! Josh Brolin is also fantastic. Jamers Franco is also excellent. Others also live up to the mark.Milk is a very good film, which deserves a watch. Even if not for the film, watch for the astounding portrayal by the God of Acting Sean Penn.
A true story that is likely to effect all that are lucky enough to watch it.
posted on 16 Aug 2009I went into 'Milk' open minded. Knowing that it was a film worthy of Oscars, and with a exceedingly talented young cast; I was expecting for the film to be something special, and I wasn't disappointed.'Milk' tells the true story of Harvey Milk, a gay politician fighting for equality in a troubled San Francisco. The film is told almost as a final memoir, with scenes inter-cutting between different times in Harvey's life. This gives the film an almost personal feel, making the connection between the film's characters and the audience seem more prominent than they might in other films.The films boasts an impressive cast, with Sean Penn leading in a defining performance that will most like be forgotten; but undeservedly so. All those who see it will understand Penn's nomination for best actor at the upcoming Oscars; the role challenges Penn to the extent of his abilities but he pulls it off with grace. Josh Brolin is excellent as a troubled Dan White, and (reasonably) fresh faces James Franco and Emile Hirsch provide solid and understandable characters.With big-name films gracing the screen in time for award season, it's likely that 'Milk' will be lost in amongst the hordes. 'The Wrestler', 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' and 'Slumdog Millionaire' will almost definitely dominate the box-office but if you have the time or the money, spend some of your time seeing 'Milk'. It might seem a little slow at first, but persevere the films rewards time and time again.
One of the big screen's best biographical pictures
posted on 14 Aug 2009San Francisco councilman Harvey Milk was assassinated by his fellow board supervisor Dan White in 1978. I am not giving anything away by saying that "Milk" ends with an assassination attempt. It is one of the greatest death scenes in mainstream Hollywood film, as played out in deadly showdown chicanery by terrific Sean Penn (Milk) and Josh Brolin (White) performances. We all know the outcome of the confrontation but it appears with such a sleight of hand it blindsides us all. Those of us who fell in love with director Gus Van Sant's previous movie "Paranoid Park" and interpreted the corridor walk Dan White undertakes beforehand to be directly parallel with the young skateboarder's school stroll might anticipate it. Both ended up committing murder, yet no two murders could be any different. Mr. White pleaded his innocence at the later trial by claiming an irregular diet of junk food had caused his hormones to flare out of control. The burden he was carrying, however, pales in comparison to Mr. Milk's story. Surviving the suicide of multiple lovers, shockingly, barely makes the footnote section.Read the full review: http://www.sightforallseasons.co.nr/
Great performances only strengthen an already powerful film
posted on 12 Aug 2009There is something inherently wonderful in Gus Van Sant's Milk. Besides telling the mostly true story of openly gay San Francisco politician Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), the film acts as a gay rights, and more importantly, human rights, piece that feels all too appropriate for the times.Leaving aside the homosexual bigotry we still face in 2009, it may be all too easy to see this as just another way of the Academy reaching out after the horrendous snubbing of Brokeback Mountain three years ago. That assumption is all too wrong.Milk stands on its own as a great film. Interweaving Milk's years running for political office alongside his own recording of a final will and testament, the film employs a fairly constant narrative structure of connecting the film's footage with stock footage from the actual events. In some cases, it may even be hard to tell the difference (save for some scenes where the stock footage looks blatantly worn down and grainy). It has been done many times before, but it works especially well for this film. It brings a much needed sense of realism to the film, and an even better sense of authenticity. You would never guess that the majority of these actors were even alive in the 1970s.Van Sant expertly uses Dustin Lance Black's original screenplay to weave the tale of Milk's final years living in San Francisco. We only learn vague notions of what his life was like before he met Scott Smith (James Franco) on his fortieth birthday. And while it may have helped flesh out Milk's backstory, the film succeeds without it. We learn enough about the man and what he did for the gay movement in 1970s America to appreciate and know who he was. The little tidbits we find out later on only cement the obvious feeling we get.And Penn, whose work I very rarely enjoy, breathes a fascinating amount of life into Milk. Penn puts his heart into the role, and really plays this one from down deep. You can see the hurt in his eyes, and the awe-inspiring joy. His body expressions say more than enough; with a simple twitch in his mouth, he can rather easily change the character's entire construct. He makes the acting look so easy, but I would be hardset not believing the real man acted in a similar way. While I think Frank Langella will ultimately win the Oscar, this is Penn's strongest work in over a decade (especially more so than that overrated Oscar-winning turn in Mystic River). His visual transformation into this inspirational individual is nothing short of amazing.Van Sant also succeeds in his use of love in the film. There are a few steamy homosexual scenes featuring Penn (none to the point of Brokeback), but they are all filmed so passionately and delicately that they look visually beautiful. In fact, the majority of this visually laden film is captured rather beautifully. Although it seems like there is particular emphasis on reflections and juxtaposition, there are some unique angles from crowd settings that help encourage the authenticity of the film even further.Josh Brolin delivers a startling performance as Dan White. If you have read anything about Milk, then you obviously know why he is so important to the story. But Brolin downplays the character for the majority of his time on screen (albeit, his first appearance comes halfway into the film). He practically quivers under Penn's shoes. But when he finally gets his moment to start chewing scenery, Brolin delivers in spades. He practically lets loose, showing off the excellent chops put to fine use in the underrated W. and No Country for Old Men. He too, plays a lot of his performance with his facial expression, and at times, he does not even need to say a word. We can just tell exactly what is going on. The man knows exactly what buttons to push to get a reaction.Franco, Emile Hirsch (Penn's leading man in the criminally snubbed Into the Wild) and Diego Luna all give fine performances in their roles. While I think Luna could have toned himself back a bit, I think Franco could have brought himself a little further. He too is quite important to the film, but he feels a bit too downplayed. I would have liked to see him do a bit more. Hirsch gets his moments, few and far between, and does a great job. He too could have done a bit more however, but nevertheless, his is a standout performance.If there are any problems, it is the fact that the film stretches itself a little too far as it nears the final act. It was not boring to the point of aping the sleep-inducing The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but it was not exactly being very interesting either. I realize what is being shown is important and a lot of it thought-provokingly emotional, but there was about twenty minutes that could have easily been trimmed right down. It really feels like it is going the distance, but falters on the way there.It took a while, but it was well worth seeing Milk. Van Sant has helped craft a great piece of film-making that will surely not fade away anytime soon. While it is not clear how much of Black's screenplay is original and how much is real, the man clearly has talent and can only continue to go up from here.Milk may not be the best of the year, but it is surely among the ranks. Even if you are not gay, the film still provokes an immediate reaction I doubt will leave me. This is powerful stuff, and exactly what this film-making medium should be striving for more often. I can only wish more films will follow its example.8.5/10.
"Milk" is real and emotional thanks to gifted direction, acting
posted on 08 Aug 2009Far and away the most emotional film of 2008 is the biopic of openly gay San Francisco city supervisor Harvey Milk. As a biopic, "Milk" may not seem like a very innovative or eye- opening film; we've seen films about crusaders for Civil Rights before, where small groups of citizens ban together to fight a large oppressive force, even where the hero is killed in the end. But even still, with Gus Van Sant at the helm and a handful of talented actors young and old, you've never seen a film like "Milk."Harvey Milk is played by Sean Penn, who continues to amaze audiences everywhere with not only very deep and believable performances, but transformative ones. In his best role since his Oscar-winning performance in "Mystic River" and his most astounding since "I Am Sam," Penn is at surefire Oscar caliber. He captures everything from the hard-nosed politician side of Harvey Milk to the soft, effeminate side. He's so incredibly natural through every aspect that you don't often think about how good Sean Penn is: you're thinking about how interesting Harvey Milk is.But we've seen incredible performances like this in film's of this nature. What changes all that is Van Sant. Though it's been a decade since his landmark film "Good Will Hunting," you wouldn't know it after watching "Milk." His greatest strength is to bring characters their humanity, to make each scene and all the dialog appear so real and natural. His camera is an observer, not an interferer. He picks and chooses his unique shots very carefully to enhancing meaning and not create it.This also strengthens the amazing supporting cast. Emile Hirsch, who starred in Penn's "Into the Wild" last year, continues to make the case that he will indeed be a great actor like the film's star, in his role as activist and community organizer Cleve Jones. Josh Brolin even makes Dan White--the supervisor that clashes with Harvey and ultimate brings about his demise--a character worthy of our sympathies. Van Sant gets the most out of everyone in this film, because this picture to him is very clearly about the movement more than the man.More than anything else, "Milk" is a story about the gay rights movement in 1970 and how San Francisco became the center of it thanks to the larger-than-life attitude of Harvey Milk. In his first major credit, writer Dustin Lance Black impresses, though his script has trouble reconciling the Harvey's personal life and his political career, ironically much like Harvey himself does. The film's core lies in what Milk meant to the movement and what he accomplished, not as much in how an openly gay man struggles in both his personal life and in his career when he chooses to do something like this. It's definitely there, but it's second. Still, the writing sensitively weaves all the aspects of Harvey's life together."Milk" is an emotional film. It doesn't try to be politically sensitive--those who do not support homosexuality will not find fair treatment from Van Sant and the film as a whole: they are the enemy. By focusing on the people that poured their lives into this work, "Milk" has you quickly identifying with the struggle that gay activists and gays in general dealt with at the time and to an extent still very much do today. It seeks to open the audience's eyes to the gay rights movement's history, using a lot of actual 70s footage. If you love this film it's because you get swept up in the emotion of the movement and the characters that so naturally fight for it and care about it and nothing else. Black and Van Sant are careful, however, not to portray Milk as a martyr--there is no liberal Hollywood agenda against conservative Christianity. This is about what Milk accomplished while he was alive and what he meant to the movement he fought passionately for.
It's got my vote
posted on 08 Aug 2009Gus Van Sant's "Milk" has such a resounding ring of truth to it that I don't feel like I'm exaggerating when I say that not a great deal has changed in America since Harvey Milk was assassinated. Just recently, Californians voted to prevent gays from marrying. Now, I'm not gay or a minority, but is it anybody's business what two people in love do with their lives? It's another subject, I know, but this brilliant film got me all riled up in the best possible way. It also pains me to say that had Milk and his allies not fought tooth and nail for gay rights, there wouldn't be any. The system's default is to oppress minorities, demonize gays, and push religious doctrine down every throat they can force open.Thanks to Sean Penn, who sinks his all into the character of Harvey Milk, we ride the man's shoulder right up to his tragic demise. When I heard that Penn would be playing Milk, my expectations were high. Penn and Gus Van Sant met them.After achieving what no other gay man ever did in American politics, Milk reluctantly locked horns with Dan White (Josh Brolin), a bigoted, conservative family man who saw Milk as an affront to his front and a threat to a wider constituency. Milk fought to prevent employers from being able to fire a worker based solely on their sexual proclivity. White wouldn't give Milk his vote. Dustin Lance Black's screenplay doesn't suggest it explicitly, but I sensed that White was fighting demons that his relationship with Milk shone a blinding light on. It was a fight no mediation could repair. So he shot the guy.This is rousing, angry cinema that doesn't become so hysterical and dogmatic that it stampedes over its own message.
Van Sant and Sean Penn create a 'fabulous' look at the life of Harvey Milk
posted on 08 Aug 2009Wow... I still have tears. "Milk" is very heart-breaking, yet even more inspiring to see the life of Harvey Milk portrayed (more like 'embodied') by Sean Penn and director Gus Van Sant in such an uplifting and (yet again) inspiring manner. I would have loved to have just shaken Harvey Milk's hand.The movie contains one of the best ensemble casts I've ever seen, and Sean Penn IS Harvey Milk. All of the supporting actors are FANtastic, but great ones to watch are Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones, James Franco as Scott Smith, Josh Brolin as Dan White and Diego Luna as Jack. Sadly I think Franco and the VERY over-looked Diego Luna will be missed come next year's Oscar nods, however Oscar vet Josh Brolin and Oscar rookie Emile Hirsch are most-likely to receive a nod for their performances.Gus Van Sant's directing of this incredible cast makes a perfect blend of great film-making with great acting to make this film a perfect candidate for Best Picture and more. The cinematography by Harris Savides adds to the power of the film as well as the power of the words from Dustin Lance Black's top-notch screenplay.A MUST SEE!!!!!
Stellar biographical film of a great man.
posted on 06 Aug 2009Harvey Milk was a hero, for both the gay and civil rights movements. As an African American lesbian, I thought that Harvey Milk's progressive political stance, was particularly relevant to those like me. He was willing to put everything on the line, to fight for all oppressed people. It seemed to me that when Milk was fighting for justice in the 70s and 80s, politicians were way more committed to their constituents, than they are today. This was certainly the case, with the political activism of Harvey Milk. Harvey Milk let nothing stand in his way, in his pursuit of his ideals. We desperately need more politicians like him, in our very troubled era. Rights for minorities, gay and lesbians, women, working people, etc., have been under attack by the right-wing political machine, in recent years. The time is right, for another progressive leader, to take a serious stand on civil rights for all, like Harvey Milk had the courage to do when he was alive.Sean Penn's performance as Harvey Milk, is a prime example of his superb talent as an actor. Penn shows a real finesse, for conveying Harvey Milk's mannerisms, passionate political convictions, and dedication to the cause for justice, for the underdogs in society. Josh Brolin as Dan White, turns in a muted, yet deeply resonate performance. Though not as marvelously talented as Sean Penn, Brolin has a terse, brooding charisma, that can't be ignored.Harvey Milk was a bold, brave man, who deserves to be remembered as such. This film does justice to Harvey Milk's memory, and to those that want to see the honorable man that Harvey Milk was, and what he stood for.
Brilliant political lesson
posted on 06 Aug 2009Don't fall in the easy trap of the parallel with the recent proposition against same-sex marriage. Little to do. On one side a politician who knew what he was doing, on the other side amateurs who thought the battle could be won without real canvassing. Don't fall into another trap: the parallel with Obama's campaign on hope. Those two dimensions exist but they cannot be considered as the essential meaning of this film and certainly not the most important element about the story and the character, the real man behind this character. What is the main theme of this film? Though it speaks mostly of homosexuality, it is not about homosexuality, or at least not only. It concerns us all: it is about the freedom of each individual in our world to believe in, think as true and practice the life styles they want, the religions they want, the cultural, political, social, philosophical and all other imaginable orientations they want. This is written on The statue of Liberty and at the very beginning of the Declaration of Independence, and, though the film does not say, in the first amendment to the constitution. This is universal and this concerns some countries like France for example where some beliefs are supposed not to be expressed publicly in institutions like schools or public administrations by students or personnel. That universal freedom is one of the most denied freedoms in the world. Even today in advanced developed countries various orientations, and always in the name of privacy or private life which makes it an obligation for minorities to hide or be victimized, be they sexual or religious, or whatever. We can trust the human species to be segregative always and on unforeseen and unforeseeable subjects. The human species is fundamentally segregative and equality is a constant and never irreversible battle. The second important element has to do with political activism. A political campaign can only be victorious if it does not concern a narrow group and its privileges. It has to concern a fundamental right that may then concern the vast majority of the people: if that right is denied to one person in the whole social order, then that right is endangered for everyone. The only way to convince the vast majority of the population that this is so is to come out and show everyone that they have lived with some of these people all their life, as neighbors, colleagues, schoolmates or whatever. A right can only be won if the people concerned get out of the closet, cupboard or cabinet in which they lock themselves and start canvassing, provided this right they're going to canvass for is a right that everyone can claim or enjoy, not the privilege of the happy few, like retiring at 50 with a full pension. Canvassing requires courage and dedication, because it has to convince people and not force them into doing this or not doing that. The last element is that in the American society there is a very much privileged minority, the police. The situation is a lot better today with guaranteed diversity, when it is guaranteed, but still the spirit of being over the law because of the uniform or the gun is still very present in their minds. The latest of such events in France was the release by a cop of a piece of evidence against some accused people before these people had had the opportunity to defend themselves in court. In this film, the ex-cop kills the Mayor of San Francisco and a City Supervisor out of cold blood, after having broken into the city hall, and he only got five years of prison for manslaughter and not murder. That was practically an accident if we follow that line pr approach. But the film is very clear about the use of violence in politics: it creates a political backlash and even at times a social backdraft and not progress.Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne, University Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines, CEGID
Wonderful biopic
posted on 04 Aug 2009Gus Van Sant's latest film Milk, tells the true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly-gay city official in the United States. Harvey, who is sick of being forced to repress his feelings, decides to speak out on his homosexuality. He eventually garners a following, which starts small but grows to cover the entire city of San Francisco. After several failed attempts, Harvey is elected to the city supervisor's board. The film tells how he fights for gay rights, helps people in need and confronts his opponents, right until his assassination in 1978. Milk is arguably Gus Van Sant's best film since Elephant, released in 2003. The film depicts 10 years of Harvey's life, perfectly balancing his triumphs and tribulations for 120 minutes. The use of news/archival footage, along with re-enacted scenes, is what makes Milk a successful account of history; in fact, it may be one of the best biographical films released this decade (thus far).The other glowing feature of Milk is its star acting; Sean Penn plays Harvey Milk with such perfection and audacity that he is a shoe-in for the Oscar for Best Actor in 2009. The accent, the voice, the dialogue – Penn takes them all into consideration, and portrays Harvey's character excellently. Despite having some slow and tedious pacing, Milk is a wonderful film that has put Gus Van Sant back in the 'bandwagon of acclaim'. It has a very good chance of winning a few Oscars, and might even get a Best Picture nomination. Without question, Milk is one of the films that made 2008 a great year of movies.8/10 --> 8.5/10
A very well deserved award winner.
posted on 02 Aug 2009Since films began over 100 years ago,there have been many biographies of well known personalities. Some have been good, some bad and some excellent.MILK is one of the excellent ones.Using a screenplay by newcomer Dustin Lance Black,(He has deserved every award he has so far been given)Gus Van Sant has directed this simple but powerful story of the last eight years in the life of Harvey Milk.Mr. MIlk was 40 when he left his hum-drum job & life in New York City & moved to San Francisco.He opened a Camera store on Castro street, This was 1970 & the Gay Rights Movement was just starting. Harvey was motivated to do something for this righteous cause He became a politician.He ran for public office (District Supervisor) twice before he finally one.He was one of the first gay man to win a major election.This film is also about Dan White, another supervisor.Mr. White was a sad dissatisfied man,who Murdered 2 men. Mayor George Mosconi & Supervisor Harvey Milk. This awful act helped creating new laws giving Gay & Lesbian people proper HUMAN rights.Sean Penn becomes Harvey Milk, his powerful multi-award winning portrayal will be remembered for many years to come.Josh Brolin is Dan White, this too is a memorable performance.James Franco, Emile Hirsch & Diego Luna are excellent as the very good friends of Harvey. Allison Pell excels as the Lesbian leader.One more person to commend Denis O'hare.he takes on the role of Dan Briggs the bigoted assemblyman, I mention him as a point of interest as, he is a Gay activist when not acting.The entire film was superbly made in San Francisco,including the opening scene,in a New York Subway station.(A BART station was used instead).This is a properly rated R film,BUT no scene is overly explicit.I know I will see this again, I think many people will.Ratings: ****(out of 4) 99 points(out of 100) IMDb 10(out of 10)
Milk
posted on 26 Aug 2009I feel that Mickey Rourke was robbed of his Oscar, since he won the BAFTA and Golden Globe, but I suppose the leading actor of this biographical drama is good too, from Oscar nominated director Gus Van Sant (To Die For, Good Will Hunting). Using archive footage, including some from the Oscar winning documentary The Times of Harvey Milk, this film traces the life of openly gay, forty-year-old Harvey Milk (Oscar winning, and BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated Sean Penn). In 1972 he became an activist and began a campaign to become the Castro district supervisor, determined to allow gay rights and solve many other city concerns. The first three or four years he does not gain enough votes to go into office, but by the year 1977 he wins the election, and becomes the first openly gay politician to enter public office. His time as a politician is very short though, because his rival Dan White (Oscar nominated Josh Brolin), wanting to be elected, went crazy and murdered him, along with city Mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber), and apparently in court he blamed his temporary insanity on eating junk food! Also starring Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones, Diego Luna as Jack Lira, Spider-Man's James Franco as Scott Smith, Alison Pill as Anne Kronenberg, Lucas Grabeel as Danny Nicoletta, Brandon Boyce as Jim Rivaldo and Kelvin Yu as Michael Wong. Penn is very good as the real life protagonist, but I personally didn't feel his performance was Oscar winning material, not like Rourke was, but never-the-less, it is a film with good moments, and it isn't one you'd want to miss. It won the Oscar for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, and it was nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Editing, Best Music for Danny Elfman and Best Motion Picture of the Year, and it was nominated the BAFTAs for Best Film, Best Make Up & Hair and Best Original Screenplay. Very good!