Milk

**** Stars

Erupting in passion, Milk is a masterful work of political art, showcasing a brilliant performance by Sean Penn. This is one of the most important films of the year.

Director Gus Van Sant is a true artist, writing poetry inside a history lesson. The story of Harvey Milk's upcoming as a Gay Rights activist followed by being the first openly gay man elected to public office (year was 1977) is extremely relevant in today's American society. After Proposition 8 was passed in California (banning same-sex marriages), Milk is going to go down in history as being a film released one month later then it should have been. Yes, this film has the historical documentation to prove its effectiveness. 

And that's what makes the film so special. Dustin Lance Black's screenplay simply shows Harvey Milk's several attempts (and one victory) at becoming a member on San Francisco's Board of Supervisors. We know he is a homosexual, and Van Sant never focuses on why or when he became one. The film shows his closest love relationships, but only through the events of his activism. Scott Smith (James Franco) and Jack Lira (Diego Luna) were the two loves in the final decade of his life. 

Milk's assassin Dan White is an oddly interesting figure. A conservative who blamed Milk and Mayor George Moscone for his departure from the Board of Supervisors, White (played by Josh Brolin) is displayed in this film as a confused and delusional individual suffering from his own insecurities. He stands for family traditions and values, yet he can't seem to discover his true self. Josh Brolin brings urgent life to the character and avoids playing him as a stereotypical killer. In fact, if you were unaware that White was Milk's assassin, you wouldn't suspect a thing until the film's conclusion. 

Although the film is a tragedy, Milk is filled with humor, love, and most of all, hope. It's a message indicating the importance of change (no, this is not a Pro-Obama statement) and understanding. I was raised Catholic and was taught that marriage is between a man and woman. And while I do still believe that the term "Marriage" is a bond between a man and woman, that does not give anyone the right to destroy the sanctity of love and someone's personal decision. That is why Milk can be considered a masterpiece. It doesn't preach, it avoids sloganeering, and it allows its viewers to think for themselves. With an outstanding cast (including Emile Hirsch, who is seriously growing on me) Milk is a timely and righteous biopic about a very important chapter in our nation's history.