About 20 years ago it would be easy to say that a film like "Milk" would not get produced any time soon. Now, in the wake of the controversial passing of a ban on gay marriage in California, director Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting/Elephant)'s Milk could not have been released at a more appropriate time. First, let me give you a brief history lesson. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay politician elected to high office in San Francisco and was assassinated. There. Brief enough for you? Good.
Sean Penn (The Interpreter/21 Grams) delivers a performance so memorable, that you might forget that it is Sean Penn on screen and not Harvey Milk himself. A famous actor portraying a character so well that you forget it is that famous person is what constitutes as outstanding acting (for me, anyways).
I saw this movie with someone who knew Harvey Milk personally. He believed the film payed so much attention to detail (down to props) and character, that he was lost in time for the full movie. Read an article from the Sac Bee to see what he had to say about Harvey Milk.
I won't overemphasize the importance of this film as we are in the mix of a modern civil rights movement, other than the fact that I think everyone of open mind should see this movie. Yes, there is male nudity and explicit gay scenes, but seriously, just be an adult, suck it up, and enjoy the movie for what it is.
You can check out "Milk" (also starring James Franco and Josh Brolin) at the Tower Theatre. Go a little early, buy your ticket, and kill some time at R5 Records across the street.
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