ArtsGuide Community
02/04/09
Gus Van Sant's latest film a timely reminder
The battle for queer and other human rights still goes on - "Milk" Film Review by Mark Jeffery
Milk, the latest movie directed by Gus Van Sant, is a biopic starring Sean Penn as the first openly gay politician in the US. Harvey Milk was elected to office in California in 1977 on his third attempt to gain office. He also built a large support base of people pushing for Gay and Lesbian rights. They also fought off moves by the conservative religious right to reduce other human rights.
The film is largely based on Milk’s own audio diary that was recorded in case of his assassination. The diary became a self-fulfilling prophecy. But, if you’re worried that I just gave away the ending, I’d better not tell you JFK dies, the Titanic sinks and Hitler doesn’t die in Valkyrie.
James Franco, Josh Brolin and Emile Hirsch join Penn by turning in stunning performances. And despite history giving away the ending there are still a few surprises. Josh Brolin’s character, fellow politician Dan White, is one of them. There are also a few strong and interesting sub-plots. But it is the character stories that really stand out, slap you in the face and make you admire the integrity of a few thousand determined people.
This film is pretty main stream for Gus Van Sant. Just compare it with My Own Private Idaho and you’ll see what I mean. All the same, he avoids becoming over-sentimental or clichéd for 95% of the film. Milk also gives a window into San Francisco, and in particular the queer community, in the 70s.
It is a compelling film painting a picture of oppression and discrimination that existed only a few decades ago. It’s also a timely reminder that abuses against gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people continue today. These range from the extremes of execution and jailing in countries such as Iran and Egypt to restrictions on same sex marriages in Australia. And, despite the gains made by Milk and supporters, last year California repealed legislation allowing same sex marriages.
Milk not only looks at history but reminds us that, for many people, the fight for full equality continues. Milk is screening throughout Queensland. For more info www.milkthemovie.com <http://www.milkthemovie.com>
The film is largely based on Milk’s own audio diary that was recorded in case of his assassination. The diary became a self-fulfilling prophecy. But, if you’re worried that I just gave away the ending, I’d better not tell you JFK dies, the Titanic sinks and Hitler doesn’t die in Valkyrie.
James Franco, Josh Brolin and Emile Hirsch join Penn by turning in stunning performances. And despite history giving away the ending there are still a few surprises. Josh Brolin’s character, fellow politician Dan White, is one of them. There are also a few strong and interesting sub-plots. But it is the character stories that really stand out, slap you in the face and make you admire the integrity of a few thousand determined people.
This film is pretty main stream for Gus Van Sant. Just compare it with My Own Private Idaho and you’ll see what I mean. All the same, he avoids becoming over-sentimental or clichéd for 95% of the film. Milk also gives a window into San Francisco, and in particular the queer community, in the 70s.
It is a compelling film painting a picture of oppression and discrimination that existed only a few decades ago. It’s also a timely reminder that abuses against gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people continue today. These range from the extremes of execution and jailing in countries such as Iran and Egypt to restrictions on same sex marriages in Australia. And, despite the gains made by Milk and supporters, last year California repealed legislation allowing same sex marriages.
Milk not only looks at history but reminds us that, for many people, the fight for full equality continues. Milk is screening throughout Queensland. For more info www.milkthemovie.com <http://www.milkthemovie.com>
