Posted: Friday, 21 November 2008 10:12AM
MILK
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(R)
The story of the first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk is also the story of one man making a difference and living his conviction of equality out loud. Sean Penn as Harvey Milk is completely believable as we follow this charismatic, remarkable man from early political ambitions to San Francisco's City Hall. Director Gus Van Sant and writer Dustin Lance Black work with an even, sure hand while not demonizing, moralizing or going into cliches. Even Dan White (underplayed with authority and reality by Josh Brolin) is ambiguous in some ways, leaving us to understand how complex and sometimes fear-inducing Milk's fight was..and still is. Historical context is perfectly handled, reminding us of Anita Bryant and her determination to rid the nation's schools of gay teachers. Milk enlisted Labor, Feminist, Disabled and others in his quest for equality, knowing it would cost him his life. Here's hoping for Oscar gold for Penn. A powerful, smart, adult film.
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Copyright 2008, KCBS. All Rights Reserved.
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