Milk - 4 smiles

It’s a tribute to director Gus Van Sant (and Ron Howard with “Frost/Nixon,”) that he can take material where the outcome in pretty well known and create a story that is funny, dramatic, sad, and inspiring. “Milk” sticks closely to the facts and Van Sant uses plenty of genuine 70s stock footage to enhance the milieu of the story. Not only does “Milk” contribute to the understanding of the world 30 years ago, but in light of California’s recent passage of Proposition 8, it also reflects how the fight for which Milk died still rages. Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) and his lover, Scott Smith (James Franco) move from New York in 1972 to San Francisco’s Castro Street. They open a camera store in an area fast becoming a gay hangout. The flamboyant Milk soon becomes an activist and attracts a small group of followers, including Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch), who would become one of Milk’s closest confidants. After several unsuccessful attempts to run for office, Milk wins an election for Supervisor in 1977, becoming the first openly gay man on an already liberal board. Milk then becomes involved in a struggle against Proposition 6, a referendum designed to allow school boards to fire gay teachers. Milk’s contention is that most people who know a homosexual will not vote to have his/her rights taken away. He wins this fight, but is gunned down shortly thereafter at the age of 48. (Van Sant shows a news clip of Diane Feinstein announcing the assassination early in the film.)

“Milk” further illustrates Sean Penn’s skill as an actor as we see only Harvey Milk and it is an exceptional performance, indeed. And Josh Brolin’s transformation as Milk’s political opponent and fellow supervisor, Dan White, is equally remarkable. White is a tortured individual and Brolin shows this more through expressions than by reciting dialogue. “Milk” is clearly an Oscar contender for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. And for those not dissuaded by the homosexual content, “Milk” represents a thoughtful tale of politics and courage. 12/5/08