Convincing Controversy

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2009)

2008 was an ironically timely year for Gus Van Sant to direct Milk. Proposition 8 was passed in California which denies homosexuals state-recognized marriage. Van Sant has commented that Milk wasn't directed explicitly for political reasons, and he was right. This movie is first a great biopic and then, a timely political piece. While Milk's historical narrative would have been praised and derided any year it was released, it has received unfortunate criticism from anti-gay groups as propaganda. This couldn't be more inaccurate. Milk is a wonderfully acted and encouraging film that establishes its own identity independent of its political implications.
The story follows Harvey Milk's life from 1970 until his assassination in 1978. During that time he ran for San Francisco city council twice until he was finally elected in 1977. Milk successfully consolidated a gay community in Eureka Valley before he was elected. He also met Scott Smith, his younger lover, during this time. Sean Penn portrays Milk's charisma especially well here. His lines are peppered with innuendo but he never appears campy. Penn imbues Harvey Milk with an appreciation of reality and self-acceptance. Penn's Harvey understands that homosexuality is a portion, not the entirety, of his self-identity. This, I think, is why there are no graphical depictions of sex in the movie. Like Harvey himself, Van Sant wanted this movie to transcend his personal support of homosexuality. Penn does narrate his experience with Scott, and later with Jack Lira, but they are secondary to his community involvement. Milk's short time in office was instrumental in defeating Proposition 6. The measure, which passed in other states, would have required homosexual teachers and their supporters to be fired from public schools. He debated Senator John Briggs, who supported the bill, in Orange County which was a conservative area. All of Harvey's political involvement caused Scott to leave him and Jack to commit suicide. Penn gives Harvey a Hester Prynne-like quality. You can't help but praise all the tears Penn shed for this movie. Josh Brolin, as Dan White, is Chillingworth. He feigns interest in Milk's destruction and kills himself once Milk is dead.
Van Sant includes many clips of real footage from the period. These are integral in developing an authentic understanding of the time period. I especially recall the footage of police officers arresting homosexuals at the film's beginning. It was apparently illegal to attend a gay bar in the 50's. After an important event in Milk's life, Van Sant usually includes footage of the occurrence. It's overwhelming by the end. There could be about twenty minutes removed from the movie and few would complain.
Milk is a positive film about bigotry's inevitable fall into insignificance. Christianity happens to be the preferred form, and Penn recognizes it as so. Even the script makes no references to Christianity (or any other religion) as the overarching evil (which it is). Dan White is also given fair portrayal. Brolin plays him as a potentially closeted homosexual who dislikes Harvey because of his political success. I don't know why Van Sant decided to do this with White's character. I couldn't find any factual basis for it.
Harvey Milk was an historical figure deserving of a good cinematic portrayal. Van Sant has provided us with this service. Don't think this is Amazing Grace from last year. This movie depicts a political issue directly through its character. Penn's performance is nuanced enough to keep our attention on Harvey despite our desire to wave the rainbow flag.