Milk
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Movie Reviews of Milk
Movie Review: a timely and inspiring biopic
Summary: 5 Stars
How fortuitous a thing is timing. Released only a few weeks after the passage of Proposition 8 - a ballot measure that took away the rights of same-sex couples to marry in California - Gus Van Sant's Oscar-nominated film "Milk" turns back the clock to another, similar struggle in American civil rights history and to the iconic figure who most helped to wage it.
Harvey Milk was, of course, the San Francisco supervisor and gay-rights pioneer who, along with Mayor George Moscone, was gunned down in city hall in November 1978. The perpetrator, Dan White, a disgruntled fellow board member who had recently resigned his seat, was found guilty of manslaughter (using the now infamous "Twinkie Defense" to get the lower charge), sent to prison for a mere five years, then released in 1984, only to take his own life two years later.
Dustin Lance Black's Oscar-winning screenplay traces Milk's meteoric rise from an obscure, still largely closeted Republican businessman in the early 1970s to the de facto leader of the gay-rights movement that began to take shape during that decade. He became the first openly gay man in the state to be elected to public office and, in 1978, he was instrumental in helping to defeat Proposition 6, which, if passed, would have made it illegal for homosexuals - and even straight supporters of homosexuals! - to teach in California public schools (could this really have been only thirty years ago?). Throughout all this, Milk managed to develop a large, highly charged grass roots organization, the purpose of which was not merely to combat bigotry wherever it reared its ugly head but to win over the hearts and minds of the people in their own community and the nation as a whole.
There has been some criticism leveled against the movie that it is too reverential in its treatment of Milk, that it paints him too much as a saint and not enough as an ordinary human being with the requisite number of weaknesses and flaws to make him truly viable as a character. Even if one were to accept that charge (which I do not), it still doesn't take into account the very special quality that Sean Penn himself brings to the role. With obviously heightened mannerisms that he is careful never to allow to slide over into caricature or camp, Penn makes Milk both charismatically larger-than-life and recognizably human at one and the same time. Whether he's in front of a crowd rallying the troops with his megaphone or enjoying a tender moment with his longtime boyfriend, Scott Smith, Penn allows us to see the many facets of this obviously complex man.
In a movie chock full of outstanding supporting performances, James Franco as Smith, Josh Brolin as Dan White, and Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones, a rootless young man inspired by Milk to become a lifelong activist, are the obvious standouts.
As a director, Van Sant keeps things moving at an almost whirlwind pace, beautifully balancing the "big" scenes of rallies and marches with the more intimate moments depicting Milk's relationships with those around him. At times Van Sant brings an almost documentary-style immediacy to the film, seamlessly blending actual footage from that era (much of it of Anita Bryant and her anti-gay crusade) with convincingly staged re-enactments of events at that time. Obviously wanting to end on a positive note, the movie mentions but does not dramatize the "White Night Riots" which took place in the city following the assassinations, instead focusing on the enormous candlelight march that wended its way through the shocked and devastated city. Thus, the ending, like the movie itself, is a necessary and deeply moving reminder of how the courage of one individual to stand up for what he knows is right can inspire others to follow in his footsteps - and change the world in the process.
By opening with file footage of men being arrested at a gay bar then carted off in paddy wagons to be booked as "sex offenders," "Milk" makes the viewer realize how very far society has come in the time since the events depicted in this story - and, with the recent passage of Proposition 8, how very far it still has to go.
Movie Review: "All men are created equal. No matter how hard you try, you can never erase those words."
Summary: 5 Stars
Harvey Milk was an American politician, a visionary, and, in 1977, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office - as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He was also a staunch and effective activist for the civil rights of gays, lesbians, and consequently, for all Americans who deserve equal rights under our Constitution.
Forty-something Milk, (played by Sean Penn in an Academy Award performance), an insurance salesman, and his companion, Scott Smith, (James Franco), moved from New York City to San Francisco in 1972. The couple set up house in the Castro District, a mecca for gays and hippies, where they opened a camera shop. This was before the AIDS epidemic descended upon the community and so tragically decimated their population. Harvey and Scott observed, and were subject to, increasing bigotry, attacks and physical intimidation, as more homosexuals came out of the closet. This vicious behavior took place not only in San Francisco but all over the US. Anti-gay sentiments were fueled by the likes of gospel singer Anita Bryant, known for her strong views against homosexuality and for her prominent campaigning in 1977 to repeal a local ordinance in Dade County, FL, that prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Also, California State Senator John Briggs saw an opportunity in the Christian fundamentalists' movement to attack Milk and all homosexuals, calling his hate mongering, "just politics." Milk organized not only the homosexual community, but other groups as well - blacks, Hispanics, and Teamsters - to form coalitions against those who would oppress them.
Tenacious to the cause, Harvey Milk ran for election numerous times, experiencing disappointment after disappointment. Ever optimistic, however, even after Scott left him due to an overdose of politics, Milk claimed, rightly so, that in each election his numbers went up significantly. Finally he won, serving as Supervisor, along with Senator-to-be Diane Feinstein, and Dan White, (Josh Brolin), a conservative from a neighboring Irish-Catholic district.
After a series of personal and political conflicts, the increasingly erratic White shot and killed both Mayor George Moscone and Harvey Milk in their offices at City Hall in 1978. White was trying to rescind his resignation as supervisor and blamed the mayor and Milk for blocking his reinstatement. Harvey Milk, during his career on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, promoted larger and less expensive child care facilities, free public transportation, and the development of a board of civilians to oversee the police. He sponsored a civil rights bill that outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, Milk's most important achievement was in helping to defeat Proposition 6, initiated by John Briggs. The proposed law would have made firing gay teachers - and any public school employees who supported gay rights - mandatory. Milk campaigned his heart out and debated Briggs on several occasions. One can only wonder what Harvey Milk would have accomplished had he lived just a few years longer.
"Milk" is no ordinary biopic. It is a most powerful, stirring and intelligent film that ditches the usual docudrama format. Director Gus Van Sant, along with the extremely talented Sean Penn, and an outstanding supporting cast, have brought to life the energetic, charismatic, optimistic, loving, talented, extraordinary character who was Harvey Milk. Penn movingly reveals the vulnerable side of Milk, as well as demonstrates his self-deprecating humor. Harvey Milk's struggle to make people see what is wrong and do what is right is extremely moving, and his fiery oratory electrifying. The use of real historical footage infuses a sense of authenticity to the story.
This is a wonderful movie. I also recommend seeing the 1984 documentary "The Times Of Harvey Milk" directed and written by Rob Epstein.
Jana Perskie
The Times of Harvey Milk 1984
Movie Review: The future is in peaceful convincing
Summary: 5 Stars
Don't fall in the easy trap of the parallel with the recent proposition against same-sex marriage. Little to do. On one side a politician who knew what he was doing, on the other side amateurs who thought the battle could be won without real canvassing. Don't fall into another trap: the parallel with Obama's campaign on hope. Those two dimensions exist but they cannot be considered as the essential meaning of this film and certainly not the most important element about the story and the character, the real man behind this character. What is the main theme of this film? Though it speaks mostly of homosexuality, it is not about homosexuality, or at least not only. It concerns us all: it is about the freedom of each individual in our world to believe in, think as true and practice the life styles they want, the religions they want, the cultural, political, social, philosophical and all other imaginable orientations they want. This is written on The statue of Liberty and at the very beginning of the Declaration of Independence, and, though the film does not say, in the first amendment to the constitution. This is universal and this concerns some countries like France for example where some beliefs are supposed not to be expressed publicly in institutions like schools or public administrations by students or personnel. That universal freedom is one of the most denied freedoms in the world. Even today in advanced developed countries various orientations, and always in the name of privacy or private life which makes it an obligation for minorities to hide or be victimized, be they sexual or religious, or whatever. We can trust the human species to be segregative always and on unforeseen and unforeseeable subjects. The human species is fundamentally segregative and equality is a constant and never irreversible battle. The second important element has to do with political activism. A political campaign can only be victorious if it does not concern a narrow group and its privileges. It has to concern a fundamental right that may then concern the vast majority of the people: if that right is denied to one person in the whole social order, then that right is endangered for everyone. The only way to convince the vast majority of the population that this is so is to come out and show everyone that they have lived with some of these people all their life, as neighbors, colleagues, schoolmates or whatever. A right can only be won if the people concerned get out of the closet, cupboard or cabinet in which they lock themselves and start canvassing, provided this right they're going to canvass for is a right that everyone can claim or enjoy, not the privilege of the happy few, like retiring at 50 with a full pension. Canvassing requires courage and dedication, because it has to convince people and not force them into doing this or not doing that. The last element is that in the American society there is a very much privileged minority, the police. The situation is a lot better today with guaranteed diversity, when it is guaranteed, but still the spirit of being over the law because of the uniform or the gun is still very present in their minds. The latest of such events in France was the release by a cop of a piece of evidence against some accused people before these people had had the opportunity to defend themselves in court. In this film, the ex-cop kills the Mayor of San Francisco and a City Supervisor out of cold blood, after having broken into the city hall, and he only got five years of prison for manslaughter and not murder. That was practically an accident if we follow that line pr approach. But the film is very clear about the use of violence in politics: it creates a political backlash and even at times a social backdraft and not progress.
Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne, University Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines, CEGID
Movie Review: Sean Penn Paves the Way In This Powerful Film
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, I can certainly see why Sean Penn took home the Oscar for Best Actor this year. His performance in "Milk" was incredible. He's one of those few actors who totally immerses himself in the parts he plays, much like Daniel Day-Lewis or Robert De Niro. He's been doing this for quite some time now. Even his fellow actors from "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" said that he was in character of Jeff Spiccoli during the entire shoot.
I was just a kid during the time and events that this film covers, so I enjoyed learning about Harvey Milk and the influence he had in San Francisco poltics, California politics, and even the influences he had nationally as well.
"Milk" tells the story of Harvey Milk, a gay man from New York who decides that it's time for a change. He's just met his new love interst, Scott, whom he tells to "keep a lid" on their relationship. They both move to San Francisco, and Milk quickly deduces that in order to effect the changes he wants to see, he can stay in the closet no longer.
He runs for City Supervisor several times, only to lose each and every time. However, he finds that he's quickly gaining support of the local gay community, and that the number of votes he's receiving during each election is on the rise.
Finally, he wins the position of City Supervisor, and Milk finds himself in the middle of every cause he can think of...not just the rights of gays, but any discrimination that exists whether it be due to color, age, or race.
Granted, each battle seems to be an uphill one, but Milk is filled with a resolve, and he won't quit, even when his partner, Scott, has had enough and leaves him.
The pinnacle part of the film is Milk battling against Proposition 6, which repeals many rights for gay people. He challenges his rival, Senator Briggs who feels that gay people shouldn't have any rights at all, and is even on a crusade to expose each and every one of them. Milk holds several memorable and poignant debates with the senator throughout the state of California.
I've always found it interesting that when there is a cause to fight for, a champion comes along to spear-head it. Milk is that champion for gay people, even though he's actually fighting against all forms of discrimination.
The movie is narrated by Milk who is recording his life story on tape, already seeming to sense that he won't be around much longer. Ironically, Milk tells Scott that he doesn't feel that he'll live to be 50.
There are great performances all around in this film, not only by Sean Penn, but also by James Franco (Scott), Emile Hirsch, Diego Luna, and Josh Brolin. Brolin plays Dan White, a fellow City Supervisor and the instrument of Milk's death. What I didn't forsee, was that Milk's assassination was politically motivated as White had lost his job and felt that Milk and the Mayor were responsible, rather than it being a hate crime against Milk's sexual orientation.
What I enjoyed about the movie was that it focused on Milk's cause. People who might be uncomfortable about the possibility of sexual scenes needn't worry. The movie isn't "in your face" and nothing is depicted really, beyond some kissing. (Course, if that bothers you than you may want to take a pass on this film.)
Gus Van Sant is a terrific director; one who brought us great films like "Good Will Hunting," and "Milk" is another testament to his abilities as a director.
There are some movies that are simply important to watch, because they give us a sense of where we came from, where we are going, and how important it is to be tolerant and accepting of people, regardless of their differences. "Milk" is such a film.
Movie Review: Sean Penn channels the late Harvey Milk, in a civil rights battle that still rages today
Summary: 5 Stars
There are actors who can totally become the character they portray, to the point where they're almost channeling them: Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Tina Fey... Sean Penn is one of those actors. He totally becomes Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician elected to office in the U.S., in appearance, voice, and mannerisms. It helps that Penn, with half Lithuanian and Russian Jewish ancestry, strongly resembles Milk, needing only the same haircut and perhaps some Grecian Formula to complete his physical transformation.
I think Penn is one of the best actors of our time. He's a heterosexual who can very convincingly play a homosexual, and a schmuck who can very convincingly play a nice guy, in this Academy award winning best actor performance.
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But the main reason to watch this movie is not to marvel at Penn's acting skills. There's important political history to watch, with implications not only in San Francisco where he was elected after several attempts, but in cities and states all over the U.S., and internationally, such as in homophobic Jamaica, where openly gay behavior carries up to 10 years in prison. Unlike black history where school children are taught about how Rosa Parks refused to sit in the back of the bus, and women's history, where children learn about Susan B. Anthony and other suffragettes, who is ever taught about gay civil rights? A movement still very much underway, as gay people fight for the right to marry, receive spousal benefits, and visit their dying partners in the hospital.
San Francisco wasn't always friendly to gay people. Gay merchants and renters were routinely discriminated against, as the movie shows. But gay businessman, Harvey Milk, had enough, and organized voting power and buying power into social justice, forming alliances along the way, including the powerful Teamsters union. Penn perfectly captured the humor, charisma, media savvy and grassroots organizing it took to accomplish this. Milk paved the way for San Francisco to become more gay-friendly, and for other cities to follow suit, including Houston, TX, the 4th largest city in the U.S., which elected their first openly gay mayor in Dec. 2009. The movie also shows how Harvey Milk was an important force in derailing the bigoted Joseph McCarthey-esque statewide Briggs Initiative, which would have required the firing of gay teachers and their supporters in the California Public Schools.
So watch the movie to experience Penn's fine acting, as well as the fine acting of his supporting cast, but more importantly, to see and *learn from* political history. Those interested in fighting the Anita Bryants of today, might want to pick up a pen and take some notes. (Anita Bryant was a former beauty queen and Florida orange juice promoter who organized fellow born again Christians to discriminate against gay people.)
P.S. As someone who was around in the late 70s, I marvel at how well the movie got the feel of the era down. Men's and hair styles, oversized by today's standards eye glasses, makeup down to the blue eye shadow, the cars--all authentic. I was glad someone had saved some old push-button office phones with the flashing hold buttons, typewriters, Zenith color TV's, and an old cassette tape recorder from the late 70s. That stuff seems so old-fashioned now, but it was state of the art modern back then, as the phones weren't rotary, the typewriters were electric and not manual, and the tape recorder was much smaller than the reel-to-reel. I really felt like I was back in the late 70s, disco music and all.