Gus Van Sant directs this bio-op of the life, and death, of California's first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk. The film traces Milk's life from his 40th birthday to his assassination, along with San Francisco's Mayor, George Moscone, by fellow City Supervisor Dan White in 1978. Sean Penn stars as an eerie reincarnation of Milk and both he and Josh Brolin (as Dan White) deserve nods for their outstanding acting in this film. A shout-out must go too to James Franco (as Harvey's lover, Scott Smith). The acting here is all fine, fine however the film falters for this reviewer on several fronts. The gay movement portrayed seems far too radical, which was not the case. Worse, the ending with its, frankly, ridiculous juxtaposition of Milk's dying moments married to him gazing onto San Francisco Opera Center, with Tosca (but of course Tosca) billboards all a-glory just makes the whole movie, well, silly. The movie could also do with some editing to remove some of the 'filler' and take a more balanced view of Milk's brilliance and flaws. Milk is a good documentary that champions an important chapter in the history of the gay movement but should be re-titled "Saint Milk" as in the end it's all about the canonization of a gay icon.
My rating 7 out of 10.
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