Milk (2009)

Director: Gus Van Sant

Rated: R

Length: 128 min.

 

In an era where homosexuality was being met with an iron fist at the hands of police brutality and segregation between the gay and straight workplace, Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) decided it was time for a change. With the help of a great supporting cast, including James Franco (Scott Smith) as his original partner, Emile Hirsch as a fellow campaign worker and gay rights activist, along with his Latin lover, the ever-so talented Diego Luna (Jack Lira); this film oozed inspiration.
“My name is Harvey Milk and I’m here to recruit you.”

In this inspiring film of how a homosexual man changed the face of history with his courage and persistence, Harvey Milk transforms from dirty hippie into the most likable politician we’ve seen in quite some time.

Penn earned his Oscar for best actor in this film by truly transcending the gay man in a discriminatory society. He fully encompassed himself into his character.

At first, I must admit that I was moderately skeptical as if I was going to like the film or not, but I was left with a feeling of satisfaction in my reflection of the film.

I felt a mix of consistent laughter and pure silence in admiration of this film’s entertaining, but also very tragic storyline. This is easily the best film I’ve seen in quite some time.

Director Gus Van Sant’s use of split cinematography between actual news footage and film footage made the film feel as a though it was a historical retelling of one of the most revolutionary innovators of our society today.

Milk gave his life for what he believed in, and that is something to be admired.

Van Sant breaks down all previous sexual walls and openly depicts male to male intimacy with little to no filter.

This film made me feel a sense of remorse for homosexuals growing up during this time period, for the scrutiny they received from the outside world was relentless and unnecessary.

This film leaves a somber audience with a strong message as it come to a conclusion.

Harvey Milk will forever be remembered in my heart.