Review of Milk (2005) by Jonny B — 10 Nov 2011
'Milk' is a masterpiece. A masterpiece flowing with emotion, angst, and love for its subject and all that comes with being a homosexual running for a position in government. It's an important movie.
'Milk' is a perfect biopic made that way thanks to Gus Van Sant who is the perfect pick for director not because he is a homosexual but because he always brings the utmost care, intelligence, and high art to controversial subjects (i.
E: 'Elephant', 'Last Days') and 'Milk' is no exception. it should be clear by now Gus Van Sant is a genius filmmaker - he doesn't deserve an Oscar he deserves a MacArthur fellowship grant.
The script is outstanding, Dustin Lance Black has written an adroit, at times witty and funny, tragedy on a character of complexity and contradictions played pitch-perfectly by Sean Penn who disappears into the role; then there's the nuanced and powerhouse performance from Josh Brolin who steals the show when he is on screen; Emile Hersch and Alison Pill are vibrant supporting players; and James Franco's charismatic performance is a pleasure to experience.
When I saw this, opening night, the audience cheered and clapped at the end, while I was trying to hide my salty face, for a good couple minutes - I've seen and taken part in a lot of applause but never had I seen an audience so moved by a movie the way they were by another genius Gus Van Sant picture.
'Milk' is perfect filmmaking with an urgent message. 'How do you teach homosexuality? Is it like French?'.
This review of Milk (2005) was written by Jonny B on 10 Nov 2011.
Milk has generally received very positive reviews.
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