Milk is electric, Van Sant at his best..

Rating: 10/10 (23 January 2009)

If you don't think you're going to like a film about Gay rights then I'm here to recruit you! Because nobody has to be Gay to be happy about Gus Van Sant's amazing film, Milk.
From the very first instant right through to the closing credits it's electric film-making in true Van Sant style with all the flair, whimsy and gentle humility that this tremendous director brings to his work. And this truly is a signature Van Sant movie not to be missed.
Based on the true story of Harvey Milk who was the first openly Gay official to be elected in the United States. The film captures the period with ease and backdrops the storyline with poignant interludes of a narration scene depicting Harvey Milk as he tape records his path from political awakening to current position 'in the event that he should be assassinated'. Along with smatterings of retro stills and video footage depicting the issues and icons of the time, the result is both light and powerful. The flip of styles, never for one minute lets us forget that this story is about something real and relevant to both our society's history, and it's attitudes today.
Sean Penn under Van Sant's direction is magic and the actor finds even greater depths and ease than usual in the charming tenderness with which he inhabits Milk's character. Highlighted too are smashing performances from James Franco, Josh Brolin and Emile Hirsch who all shine in their respective roles. The screenplay is well moulded by Dustin Lance Black and super cinematography by Harris Savides gives an authentic feel while maintaining a mood lifting brightness that mirrors the heart of the tale. The score by Danny Elfman is unobtrusively delicious and seamless editing courtesy of Elliot Graham finishes a sublimely crafted film.
If there are cracks then they appear in the underdevelopment of the one pertinent female character, campaign manager Anne Kronenberg and rather over indulges the character of boyfriend Jack Lira, but these flaws are minor and do not spoil what is a moving and well delivered film and it's great to see Gus Van Sant on such top form these days with a more mainstream production. More like this please!