Havey Milk changed history. In 1977, Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first only gay male to be voted into public office in America. His victory, though a powerful and courageous win for gay rights, eventually proved to be a monumental headway into the fight for universal rights, across all classes of humanity. From senior citizens to uneducated and unknowing union workers, Harvey Milk changed the way people fought for even the most basic rights. Though he served an untimely death in 1978, he still serves as a hero for all Americans. In Gus Van Sant's Milk, Sean Penn dives deep into the mind and personality of the famed rights activist, transforming his image onto the big screen and giving audiences a strong, though brief, look into the life and events that created one of the nation's most highly influential politicians.
The film's main driving force is its story, which has been the topic of choice since the passing of Proposition 8 on November 4th. However, even without the election result, the film's main message of equal rights and the fight that many endure to get those rights, is nothing short of relevant and motivating. Seeing Harvey Milk, fight for years to become the driving force of unspoken citizens everywhere is simply mesmerizing, but more than the visual images that grace the screen, the inspiration that results from it is something that no other film has been able to generate.
Known for his unique style and approach, Gus Van Sant stays on track with Milk, centering the piece around its story and characters. Not once does the film venture away from Milk and his accomplishments; nor does it give into stereotypes. Instead, it sticks to the facts, allowing the story to run its course, and the film to follow suit. In fact, not once is AIDS mentioned within the content of the story, a small though interesting note as the story allows you to forget about the usual and discover the unusual.
Sean Penn, who effortlessly encompasses the mind and body of the late politician, gives one of the boldest and most humane performances of the year. His ability to not only recreate, but sell himself as the infamous human rights activist is nothing short of amazing. Seeing his emotions pour from out as he interacts with those around him is a brilliant sight from any point of view.
Then there is James Franco, a quickly rising star who brings Milk's love interest, Scott Smith, to life. Going against stereotype in all ways possible, Franco broadens his fan base and appeal by tackling what is easily his most controversial and character driven role to date. His performance will quickly break down barriers as he showcases his true ability to generate appeal and emotion, two characteristic that hadn't been formed by the actor thus far. In addition, his chemistry with Penn is incredibly solid. From their unlikely introduction on the steps of a subway to their years of growing affection, both stars work hard to sell their relationship; a feat that was accomplished early on.
But you cannot forget about Emile Hirsch and Josh Brolin. Portraying Milk's protegee and eventual death sentencer respectively, the pair of unlikely co-stars help to bring the film full circle, finalizing a cast of immeasurable talent and ability. There every move is done with amazing precision as their small, though critical pieces help to bring the film to new heights. Their emotions, actions and mind-set is one that many can relate to, a feat that all films thrive to accomplish. And though each represent opposite sides of the spectrum in terms of the film's story, both work with their co-stars to help promote the film's overall message.
Together, the cast creates a force of immeasurable strength. Combine that with the present situation concering civil rights, and Gus Van Sant's emotional and inspriational biopic is a sight that you just have to see to believe.
