Penn is Golden

Rating: Null/10 (25 January 2009)

Milk (2008)
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
Emotional story of Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), the first openly gay elected official. The San Francisco supervisor fights for gay rights, which will eventually put him up against another supervisor, Dan White (Josh Brolin). Throughout the movie I couldn't take my eyes off of Penn due to his incredibly strong performance, which is so against many of the other roles we've seen him in. I've always considered Penn the greatest actor of his generation and he just keeps adding to his legendary resume and I think it's reaching the point where you can easily put him along side other greats like a Tracy, a Brando or a Newman. I don't think the overall film is as great as many are calling it but there's no denying that Penn puts his heart and soul into bringing Harvey Milk to the screen. There were times that I forgot I was watching a movie because Van Sant really brings the film a documentary like feel and Penn's performance is so dead on that you feel like you're watching the actual guy. Everything from Penn's voice to his walk are perfectly captured so he certainly deserves a standing ovation. The supporting cast are equally strong with Emile Hirsch, Brolin and Diego Luna turning in great work. I think it's James Franco who really stands out with a terrific turn as one of Milk's lovers. I really enjoyed the visual look Van Sant gave the film as he mixes in stock footage from the day and puts it against the new stuff very well. I think this helps put the film back into the 1970's without a problem, which is good with a film like this. The costumes, set design and everything else hits the mark perfectly and the screenplay by Dustin Lance Black does a good job at mixing up all the political stuff with Milk's personal life. I don't think his relationship to Diego Luna was written too well considering what happens but that's a minor issue. I'm sure Penn and Van Sant wanted people walking out of the theater feeling for Milk and I think they succeeded at that. I'm not sure how many people's opinions will change on certain issues but this is still strong work by the two men.