Possibility to be an all-time classic

Rating: 9/10 (6 March 2015)

Gus Van Sant's talent and humility allows Harvey Milk to be a the center of this remarkable story without putting himself in front of the camera. Sean Penn shines like never before as Harvey Milk. His humanity is overwhelming at times. That permanent smile defining his face talks volumes about his faith in people, no matter how they may feel towards him. He is truthfull and childlike innocent, he worries he's about to be 40 and hasn't hit the bigtime. Little did he know. The film is constructed brilliantly in a series of vignettes that builds up into a whole fluid narrative. Josh Brolin, as the disturbed Dan White is another standout in a complex and remarkable performance. No cheap shots here. Diego Luna, Joseph Cross and Emile Hirsch are also terrific as the boys around Harvey but it is James Franco who truly gets your undivided attention. His romantic turn is one of the most erotic gay love stories I've ever seen (and I've seen Brokeback Mountain at least a dozen times). See this masterpiece, you won't regret it.