Milk – Inspiring and Pivotal Performance by Sean Penn

Sean Penn was born to play Harvey Milk.  I have seen his acting performances over the years and have been amazed by this consummate actor. However, his portrayal of this gay activist who was gunned down in San Francisco’s City Hall, while serving as the first elected gay official of the United States, is one of those milestones in film history.  Penn has entered into the realm of film legends from which other actors will forever benchmark their own performances from in terms of measuring to a standard of excellence.

 

Gus Van Sant has been able to gather a cast and put together a film that is moving, tragic and inspiring in the great tradition of the American fight for civil rights and justice. The backdrop is the fight for gay rights, but the message is so universal and the film drives that point effectively into the hearts of the audience.

Sean Penn

  

The film speaks to our time and its relevancy is so fresh especially in light of the current debate over the passage of Proposition 8 in California. It offers a mirror to the same arguments and illuminates so well the path we all must take to insure that equality is won.

 

The story of Harvey Milk is so American.  He really started his political activism after the age of 40.  He was in an uphill battle and lost several bids at City Supervisor before winning a seat. His perseverance and his unabashedness to stand up and be heard was his strength. The film resonated with me. I watched it with my partner of 10 years, Gary, and with another couple, Robert and Alfredo. I thought of the work we all must still do today to insure that our rights are protected.   We must imbue that same spirit of Harvey in ourselves and in the very core of our will.

 

You can see what a powerful impression the film has made on me.  Josh Brolin, James Franco, Diego Luna and Emile Hirsch also gave great performances in their roles.  The unique way in which the film was textured at points to look like it was filmed from that time period made it authentic in its feeling and mood.

 

This is the best film I have seen this year.  I left the theatre still thinking about it.  Today, I am still thinking about it and its impact. I think every American should watch it.   You see, it is not just about gays.  It is about all of us and our dreams. It is about all our rights and how we must fight to protect them.  You will be inspired. 

Sean Penn as Harvey Milk