Review of Milk? (2012) by Trystan C — 23 Jul 2012

The only Gus Vant Sant movie I had seen prior to "Milk" was "My Own Private Idaho", so I was pretty surprised I wanted to even see this one, considering "My Own Private Idaho" ranks up there with "Just My Luck" and "City Of Angels" as one of the shittiest movies I've ever seen.

But anyway, "Milk" is fantastic. Sean Penn puts away his golden gloves and earns an oscar nomination without being overwrought and "actory" while he's supported by James Franco, Emile Hirsch, and Josh Brolin all giving the best performances I've ever seen them give. Well... Brolin was probably better in "W." but still.

I think what really struck me about this movie was not its story of a fight against oppression but its message of universal ability. Harvey Milk was mostly ordinary for 40 years of his life. Then he decided to do something and became a symbol of hope in the realm of homosexual equality and acceptance. Gus Van Sant, you done good.