Milk: Not Gay Rights, Human Rights

Regardless of which side you support in the current national debate over gay marriage, I think it’s safe to say that only the most black hearted hypocrites and homophobes would ever deny a GLBT individual’s right to hold a job or walk down the street without fear of violence. Having been born in 1984 and growing up in an era of Will & Grace, Ellen, and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, I never realized how hard the gay community had to fight for such basic human rights. But then I saw Milk, director Gus Van Sant’s moving, enlightening, and insightful portrait of assassinated civil rights leader and politician Harvey Milk, as portrayed by a shockingly vibrant and likeable Sean Penn.

I usually desire little more than to punch Sean Penn in the face. Anyone with such a ludicrously one-track political worldview, on either side of the aisle, evokes similar desires. I avoided Mystic River like the plague, and I will never forget the positively insane image of a rifle toting Penn exploring post-Katrina New Orleans in a motorboat. But by channeling an inner light perhaps not seen since his Fast Times at Ridgemont High days, he makes Harvey’s quest for advancement and equality come to life with wit, warmth, and passion. The film’s timeline kicks off in 1970: Harvey is a closeted middle aged insurance industry drone living in NYC and experiencing relationships only through clandestine hookups for fear of police brutality. Enter Scott Smith, (James Franco) a young lover who convinces Harvey that a new life after 40 is possible, and San Francisco is the place to find it. Before you can say “we’re here, we’re queer, get used to it”, they open a camera shop in the now iconic Castro district that soon becomes a safe haven for the community. Realizing that the best way to create change is from the inside, Harvey and some energetic new friends launch a decade spanning quest for political office. Despite multiple defeats, he is finally elected into the office of city supervisor thanks to a campaign that seeks to improve life for not just the gay community, but also seniors, teamsters, and all who found themselves disenfranchised in the City By The Bay. It is made clear from the beginning that Harvey’s rise to prominence is on an express train for tragedy, but that doesn’t make it any easier to witness his eventual death at the hands of fellow politico Dan White (Josh Brolin).

In addition to the top notch performances given by Penn, Franco, and Brolin, much of the film’s depth comes from a skilled roster of young talent on the rise including Emile Hirsch, Joseph Cross, and even High School Musical’s Lucas Grabeel. Each depicts a real life figure who contributed to Harvey’s rise, each with their own unique perspective on the alternative lifestyles of decades past. Equal credit for Milk’s success should be attributed not only to the acting prowess of Penn and co., but also to Van Sant’s marvelous use of archival news footage and eye for capturing small authentic details that truly bring San Francisco in the 70’s back to life. All issues of politics and morality aside, if you are a fan of true stories, inspirational stories, Oscar bait, or just have a secret desire to see Sean Penn get shot, go see Milk. You’ll definitely feel something, and you might learn something too.