Review of Milk (2008) by Emma B — 25 Nov 2011

I want to give this film five stars, I really do. Sean Penn's performance was as remarkable and dimensional as everyone raves. He plays an ordinary man, not an idealized hero, who finds the courage in his own individual experiences of "coming out" to inspire and rally millions of other people into standing up for their rights and rising above their circumstances, finding his true calling in politics. It is emotional, inspiring and touching. It speaks out against this prejudice that is still so strong today, that the only way homosexuality is acceptable is if homosexual couples live like "proper", "suburban", heterosexual families. This film is not afraid to reject that idea; to avoid that kind of "safe" representation, and I admire that.

But alas, I just cannot give it that five star rating for one vital reason. I cannot wrap my mind around the hate and fear of women depicted within the film. Other than the one lesbian coordinator that they VERY hesitantly allow into their group, it is all men. They emphasize the fact that it is all men. I believe there is even a point where they directly comment on their hate of women. I can't help feeling like there's something I've missed. Really, were ALL women like Anita Bryant in 1977? And really, only one lesbian rallied with Harvey Milk? And really, back then, male homosexuality was equivalent to a phobia of women? Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I need to do my research, but that part just does not seem to add up, and it really turned me off.