Milk (2008)

"A homosexual with power... that's scary!"  - Harvey Milk

As a happily married straight man, who was also raised as a pastors kid and by lots of people who openly deject the sentiments presented in this film and others like it, I find it a healing process to watch, digest, and cry about the plight of the modern gay man. I've lived with and breathed the same air of those who openly oppose people like Harvey Milk and that frustrates me. Proposition six is something my parents would have voted in favor of. I'm ashamed by that. They believe its their calling as "Christians" to do so. I cannot do anything to make them feel otherwise, but I have done my share of rebelling and I've shared my opinions on this subject as anyone in my shoes should do. Harvey Milk was up against this same ideology during a time when it was stronger and scarier to oppose. Director Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting) explores the life of the first openly gay man in politics - Harvey Milk. Brought to life by Sean Penn, who took the academy award for his performance and truthfully carries this film on his shoulders. Milk is an endearing character and the central part of this powerful story of failure and triumph in both politics and personal life. This is a great biopic carried by an incredible performance. Sean Penn is bursting with charisma. His magnetic energy keeps the film entertaining even when it's subject matter is hard to digest. I laughed, I cried, I once again wanted to punch Josh Brolin. I've got no critiques for this film. If you don't know the story of Harvey Milk - you need to watch this.

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