Gus Van Sant brings this tragic true story to life once more in an emotionally artistic way. In 1977 San Francisco, Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) was elected to the Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into public office in America. This is not just a story about gay rights, it is a story about human rights, and fighting for what you believe in and never giving up on what is right. Harvey Milk formed alliances across the political and citizen spectrum. From teachers to senior citizens, from hippies to the Mayor of San Francisco (Victor Garber), Harvey Milk changed history and the very nature of what it means to be an advocate for human rights. Milk dissects the last 8 years of Harvey Milk’s life, while living in New York City Harvey turns 40 and feeling as though he has accomplished very little, he wants to find better purpose in his life, so him and his lover Scott Smith (James Franco) move to San Francisco where they open a small business called Castro Camera. With the support of his working class business neighbors and the beautiful city of San Francisco empowering him Milk begins to become an agent for change. With help from Scott and a young drifter Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch) Milk dives headfirst into the heavy political scene. Reinforcing his public appeal with his witty humor Milk’s actions begin to reach many people who are looking for change and hope and chance at equal rights. When Milk is finally elected supervisor, he tries to bring together his efforts with another newly elected Supervisor, Dan White (Josh Brolin). As White and Milk’s political agendas continue to deviate it brings about catastrophic and tragic events. Sean Penn gives one of the best performances of his career and by far deserves more then an Oscar for this amazing transformation into a beloved historical figure. With supporting actors like James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna and Victor Garber under the flawless direction of Gus Van Sant and the moving original screenplay by Dustin Lance Black, Milk proves to be a definite top contender for Best Picture of the year. This film offers plenty of dialogue as well as a narration from Harvey Milk and should be very easy for the visually impaired to followed, it is still playing at some theatres and should be on DVD shortly. It’s a definite must see.
Nominated for:
Best Picture
Best Actor: Sean Penn
Best Supporting Actor: Josh Brolin
Costume Design
Director: Gus Van Sant
Film Editing
Music
Writing (Original Screenplay)
Could have also been nominated for:
Art Direction
Best Supporting Actor: James Franco
(Focus Features)
Starring: Sean Penn, James Franco, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, Deigo Luna and Victor Garbor
