Brilliant & thoughtful.....

Rating: 10/10 (6 June 2009)

A continuation of Gus Van Sant's series of films with subjects around fatal shootings. This one is covering a period of time when gay men organised politically to gain greater acknowledgement from those living around them and how this lead to the first openly gay official becoming elected in the United States of America.
This film shows with clarity, the pain and suffering caused by standing for office and doesn't make the main protagonist out to be any kind of saint... very refreshing.
The actors, of all gender and sexuality roles portray their humanity well and don't shy from complexity.
The camera work is fine and if you get the chance this film works very well on the big screen.
Gus Van Sant is more than able to handle the structure of the narrative, which does maintain Penn/Milk's engaging central role throughout the film.
I can't criticise Sean Penn in this movie, he brings life back to Harvey Milk, and his performance allows the audience to fully engage with Harvey even though we're preparing for the inevitably tragic end.
This film does take it's time to appreciate Harvey Milk and all those around him, being a tribute with out emotional manipulation or schmaltz. I would have liked to know Harvey Milk. Living in hamlet in the UK, I never heard his message of hope when I was young, I do remember his death being reported as a young man. This film brought me his message of hope, anger and a willingness to accept change, even force it when needed.
In these days the politics of hope are refreshingly brought to the fore in this film. Let's hope that this work will help to dispel any undeserved cynicism about some activists motivation.
Overall I found this film a real joy, despite the painful journey, plenty of tears and my need to have a resolution I knew impossible as Milk dies too young.