Lifestyle and Leisure
Milk review
Andy Collier reviews the film Milk
At one point in Milk, Harvey Milk addresses a large crowd at one of his many rallies and responds to the death threats he has been receiving with the line: "Should a bullet enter my brain, let the bullet destroy every closet door." This is just one of many powerful moments in a film full of emotion, charm and dignity.
Harvey Milk, an icon of LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) history, and the self-proclaimed 'Mayor of Castro Street,' led two quite different lives: one of hidden sexuality and unfulfilled dreams in New York and one of powerful movements towards change and equality when he moved with in his lover Scotty in San Francisco's Castro neighbourhood.
Over the course of the six years from when he moved to the Castro, to his assassination at the hands of a disgruntled former member of the San Francisco District Board of Supervisors, Milk managed to rally the gay community to tackle inequality head-on by organising mass demonstrations attended by thousands, he became the first openly gay member of public office in US history.
Milk is played by Sean Penn, a powerful character actor often lauded for his commitment and intensity. He doesn't disappoint. Penn doesn't so much play Milk, he is Milk – every facial tick, every gesture made with his hands is expertly played, and he portrays Milk with a dignity and respect that never resorts to show-boating.
The rest of the cast are equally strong and believable in their roles, particularly James Franco as Milk's lover Scotty, who plays his role with subtlety and charm, never being overshadowed by the larger than life Milk with whom he shares the majority of his screen time.
The director, Gus Van Sant, portrays 1970s San Francisco in an unfussy and realistic way, never letting the setting get in the way of the story and always allowing the colour to be provided by the Castro locals and, of course, Milk himself.
The result is a film that portrays San Francisco on the cusp of major changes, thanks to Milk, and would herald the start of those closet doors flying off for years to come.
Rating: 9
A powerful, affecting film; Milk delivers on its promise.
Emigrate Aspirational Value: 7
A realistic portrayal of one particular San Francisco neighbourhood, the film manages to capture a sense of the time and place, whilst taking the time to let the city's atmosphere and laid-back vibe do the talking.
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