See "The Times of Harvey Milk" instead...

Rating: 8/10 (27 February 2009)

I am conflicted about this film because I loved the 1984 documentary "The Times of Harvey Milk." The documentary version was so powerful and really a terrific film, that I kind of resent the Hollywood Milk stealing any of its thunder. On the one hand Milk: The Movie is Gus Van Zandt's masterpiece (and it is in many ways), but maybe also a bit too much of "Sean Penn: The Movie." Then again I'm in danger of being too cynical because Sean Penn's performance is definitely bravura; it has so much heart and soul (though maybe not as much as the real Harvey Milk in the documentary). What I loved best about Milk is the retelling of a fascinating chapter in the history of gay and human rights. Harvey's operatic love affairs, not so much.