Movie Review - “Milk”
**** STARS
Gus Van Sant’s moving bio-pic “Milk” depicts the gay rights struggle better than any other film that has ever been created. The powerful message behind this stirring movie is timely and poignant considering the passage of Prop. 8 in California recently. It is a sad and shameful truth that society has not changed much since Harvey Milk was murdered over 30 years ago. Gus Van Sant perfectly captures the ahead of its time essence of Milk’s message while crafting a gorgeous looking and emotional film that will haunt you long after the reels have stopped rolling.
If Sean Penn doesn’t receive an Oscar nomination, or the statue itself, for his brilliant portrayal of Milk then it will be a crime against cinema. Penn emmerses himself into the character of Milk so much that you can hardly imagine that this is the same guy who was “Spicoli” in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”. The minute Penn smiles in character on screen you automatically feel a sense of comfort and intimate closeness to Milk. Penn’s sensitive portrayal of Milk has you dreading the grim ending minutes after we first see him on screen. If the last 10 minutes of this film don’t have you holding back the tears or down right sobbing then you must be heartless!
James Franco, Diego Luna and Emile Hirsch also give three of the best supporting roles of the year. Their fearless, riveting and at times sweet portrayal of gay men never feels forced. It is refreshing to see such talented and gifted actors diving into roles that are normally controversial and daring for A-list Hollywood types. Franco’s quietly tender performance may even garner him an Oscar nomination. Hirsch exudes a glowing energy that feels genuinely heartfelt instead of over the top and stereotypically flamboyant, he makes every scene he is in pop. And even though his role is small in “Milk”, Josh Brolin gives a tense and creepy performance as the hate filled assassin Dan White that will have you glued to your seat.
To say that “Milk” is an important piece of film history would be a big understatement, it is hands down the most important film of the year and the best movie ever made about the gay rights movement. Van Sant has made a film that begs to be seen and dares the viewer to walk away without being touched and moved to take action. I am positive that this film will bring people together, start discussions and educate those who don’t know about this time in our countries civil rights history. This film is a must see for anyone who considers themselves a true American or even just a compassionate person. “Milk” stirs you with anger and then touches your heart all at once, and in all honesty isn’t that what great cinema should always do?
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