Review: Milk (2008)

Milk (2008)

3.5

DRAMA
U.S. Release Date: 11/26/08
Running Length: 128 Minutes
MPAA Classification: R (Profanity, Sexual Situations, Violence)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Cast: Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, James Franco, Alison Pill
Director: Gus Van Sant
Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black
Cinematography: Harris Savides
Music: Danny Elfman
U.S. Distributor: Focus Features

Review by: Carter Moulton

01/01/09

Sean Penn gives the performance of the year in Gus Van Sant’s Milk. In fact, it's not on Penn—Milk features the ensemble cast of the year. Performances by James Franco (who also can be seen in The Pineapple Express), Emile Hirsch (Into The Wild), and Josh Brolin (W.) mold together to form a powerhouse picture. The entire production gleams with inspiration. Van Sant (visionary director of Good Will Hunting) tells the story of Harvey Milk in an upbeat fashion, focusing on Milk’s charisma and charm. That charm is fleshed out by Van Sant, who uses imaginative transitions and shots that fit the overall persona of Milk.

We see Sean Penn immediately throw himself into the role of Harvey Milk (the first openly gay man to be elected to public office) with unreserved exuberance. The film follows Milk as he sends a political earthquake through Castro Street, California. “I’m Harvey Milk, and I’m here to recruit you!” he repeatedly yells. It takes Milk multiple campaigns, but finally he is elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. His relationship with Scott Smith (James Franco), friendship with Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch), and opposition with supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin) are the personal aspects to an otherwise symbolic narrative.

You really can’t say enough about Sean Penn. It’s a rare achievement to see the type of selfless embodiment that he captures. A film of this spirit calls for a complete psychological commitment, and Penn delivers. Harvey Milk carved into America’s misconceptions and stereotypes, and it’s really a treat to watch such a talented actor potray him. Almost equally impressive is Emile Hirsch who saturates Cleve Jones with a lively individuality. Milk is a demonstration of actors working together to create a moving, dialogue (which is witty and bold)-driven drama.

Josh Brolin is respectable as supervisor Dan White, but this brings me to the only flaw of the film. His character isn’t explored properly, and we never really see a satisfying interaction between him and Harvey Milk. When the end of the film is played out, the impact is felt, but the opportunity to create something unforgettable was present. If White’s character had been approached more decisively, Milk would be a four star film. Not to worry—what is sacrificed for character development is more than made up for by the performances and direction. Being a historical snapshot of an always-relevant issue, Milk is a film that should be embraced and experienced.