A very fine fictional film about the gay activist, Harvey Milk....Penn is great, too

Rating: 8/10 (9 February 2009)

Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) is an insurance company employee who works in New York City. Although he is gay, his employer doesn't know it, for it is the late 60's and he could get fired. One night, he meets a handsome young man on the subway steps, Scott (James Franco) and it changes his life. First, although he is hours away from his 40th birthday, Harvey convinces Scott to spend the night with him. Then, the relationship extends itself, longer than a mere one-night stand, and Scott persuades Harvey to move to San Francisco and start their lives "over". Landing in a neighborhood that is home to other gay men and ladies, they open a camera store and begin a campaign to stop discrimination against gays in their corner of the world. Harvey quickly perceives that this will take some "doing" and that it might be best for him to run for political office, as a supervisor for his neighborhood (akin to a city councilman). Assembling a great group of friends and colleagues as his political team, including young Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch), Harvey runs and loses, the first time. Yet, Milk is not discouraged and he makes plans to run again. This upsets Scott, who wants a more placid life and the two part ways. Harvey eventually gains another partner, Jack (Diego Luna). Meanwhile, some violence is still directed at gays in the hood and, more importantly, a national campaign is brewing to strike down any laws communities pass or try to pass that prohibit gay discrimination in the workforce. This anti-gay movement is lead by such people as fundamentalist Christian actress, Anita Bryant. So, although Harvey eventually becomes a city supervisor and an inspiration to the gay movement in America, California fashions "Proposition 6", a bill that would allow the firing of gay teachers, and puts it on the November ballot. Can Harvey and others see that this law is never a reality, despite some heavy handed opposition? And, will fellow supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin), an priggish Irish Catholic upset with Milk's failure to back some of White's own ideas, make trouble for Milk, also? This is a very fine film about an admirable man, Harvey Milk, who was most instrumental in changing the lives of gay citizens in California and in the United States. Milk's fighting spirit and loving attitudes went a long way in his success at giving formerly "closeted" gays a chance at a more normal existence. As Milk, Penn delivers another stellar performance that shines brightly. All of the other cast members, too, are quite wonderful as well, from Franco to Luna to Brolin and beyond. Special mention should be given to Hirsch, for he is splendid in his role as a young activist with attitude. The settings in California are lovely, naturally, and the costumes and other production recreations of the time periods are terrific, too. Director Gus Van Sant and the screen writers should also receive much praise for their telling of Milk's story without sensationalism or tawdriness but, rather, employing quietly revealing scenes of truth and great camera work. Especially, the viewer will be grateful that White's role is rather small, for although he eventually assassinated Milk and Mayor Moscone, his part is not allowed to detract from the film's focus on Milk and his admirable life and achievements. Quite a feat indeed. Although this movie may not be for everyone, especially those with strong religious beliefs, it is nevertheless a very worthwhile view. Therefore, if you are dedicated to watching films of a more serious nature, Milk should be on your list of must-sees.