Milk

Milk Poster
The recent inauguration of Barack Obama has been regarded as a leap forward for human rights in America. Obama, one of the better politicians in recent memory, has the potential to favourably impact the world in many ways, yet he is a man whose physical characteristics would have prevented his historic rise to the White House throughout most of America’s history. As has been said, his ascent is a victory for human rights, and it is, but more progress is needed, particularly for homosexuals in America, where being gay still means being targeted. Religions such as Islam and Christianity remain open opponents of homosexually, with little sign of change, and such views may be leading to their weakening influence throughout much of the world. Religious leaders attack homosexuality as immoral behaviour and continue to propound the harmful effects it has on family structure. To those who call it immoral, I say shame on you. Immoral behaviour can be loosely defined as an action that harms another human being. To make a choice to love a willing partner, and in turn receive his or her love, is beautiful, and the only harm done stems from the intolerance and bigotry of the families and friends who react negatively. Even amongst those who say that an individual is free to make his or her own choices about their sexuality, a level of discomfort often remains. A scene of two guys kissing on a television will still elicit cringes from many if not most men who call themselves tolerant, and this discomfort, while not truly racist, reflects intolerance. A gay lifestyle remains as an outsider’s existence.

Milk, the true account of America’s first openly gay politician, Harvey Milk, reflects a small sign of change. Gus Van Sant, with his best film to date, has poignantly revealed Milk’s struggle to give his people a voice in 1970s era San Francisco. As he turns 40, he decides that he is unwilling to continue hiding his sexuality and moves to San Francisco, where others are drawn to his kindness and determination. Focusing mostly on his repeated attempts to get elected into public office, Milk is a great political movie, a revealing biography, and an important historical piece. Held together by Sean Penn’s transcendent performance in the lead role, and enhanced by great supporting roles from Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, and the increasingly impressive James Franco, the film never lags and is emotionally moving, particular in the film’s final minutes. I give nothing away when I tell you that Milk, along with the mayor of the city, was assassinated by San Francisco Supervisor Dan White in 1978. The murder, and the exalting memoriam that followed, are heart wrenching. As Bottom the Weaver knows in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the death scene is the most important moment of the story, and Penn’s reaction to his imminent death would have made Bottom envious. Van Sant then uses actual footage from the candlelight march that followed on the streets of San Francisco, creating an emotional effect that is truly moving and unforgettable. Milk is one of the best movies of the year.

Posted on October 26, 2009 at 3:56 pm by admin · Permalink
In: Movies · Tagged with: , , , , , ,

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