Review of Milk (2008) by Murtaza M — 27 Jan 2011
By David Hutchinson for remotegoat on 28/02/09.
The subject of homosexuality has been explored in many contemporary films and television series, but rarely are the pioneers of the homosexual political landscape depicted as vividly as Gus Van Sant does in this biographical film on Harvey Milk.
The film follows the struggles of Milk to become elected as San Francisco's first openly gay official in a period of American history when homosexuals were not widely celebrated or welcome in politics. The film runs his political campaign alongside his long term relationship with partner Scott as Harvey Milk struggles to sustain both in the intense environment. Clashes with the homophobic police force and a hate campaign sparked by a certain popular American TV personality make the Milk's rise to fame very difficult indeed. The film explores the life of San Francisco supervisor Dan White, as he struggles to maintain support of his seat in politics. The eventually assassination of Harvey Milk is both devastating and poignant as we grow to love this star of American politics.
Penn is outstanding in the role of Milk. Rarely does an actor portray a character with such truth and subtly, yet bold and courageous as he was. Penn is unrecognisable, his physical and vocal transformations leave us pondering for the first ten minutes whether we have come to the correct cinema. He is backed up excellently by Josh Brolin, worthy of some silver for his portrayal of troubled Dan White. James Franco is a name to watch, with every performance he improves and gains both empathy and sympathy playing Milk's long term lover Scott.
Van Sant should be truly proud. This film ran a fine line of becoming a shallow film concerned only with promoting gay rights, with little narrative or character to keep the audience hooked on the personalities. Save for the first filmic five minutes, this film is much more than that. Subtle, clever and fascinating. It doesn't ram anything too far down our throats, instead it demonstrates the struggles that gay and lesbians suffered in the compressive environment in America.
Star performances with a great story to boot - Milk is a strong candidate for my favourite film of 2009.
This review of Milk (2008) was written by Murtaza M on 27 Jan 2011.
Milk has generally received very positive reviews.
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