Director Gus Van Sant's Milk

Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, James Franco

Jan 13, 2009 Margaret Burke

Milk is notable largely for all the performances, but it is nevertheless a very engaging, heartbreaking true story.

Milk is an unusual film in that it is simultaneously extraordinary and average. It is very much a standard bio-pic, told in a linear color-by-numbers fashion. The fact that such a film is directed by Gus Van Sant is fairly shocking, considering his more recent fare (such as Elephant, Last Days, and Gerry...Van Sant dabbled far too long in experimental films that bordered on torture). Additionally, the performances in the film are truly astonishing, Sean Penn especially, who, even in having a reputation for being an incredible actor, takes on a role unlike anything he ever has before. Penn is positively adorable, and the rest of the cast is just as notable. Milk is absolutely one for end-of-the-year lists.

History Repeats Itself

This particular bio-pic is the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to hold public office, and his struggle to obtain that office. There is no doubt that the timing of its release was especially poignant, coming on the heels of the controversial failure of Proposition 8 in California. The film revolves around Milk’s inability but indefatigable efforts to attain office and to pass Proposition 6 (and the parallels would be even more poignant had the film been released prior to Election Day of this year).

The Standard Set-up

So much of the film is not necessarily trite, but for lack of a better word, ordinary. The film opens with vaguely standard narration—Milk himself sets up his own story and it is no surprise that he will not be around come ending time. Through flashback, we see his life, his politics and romantic trials, and invariably, the tragic way that things turn out. It is all spelled out in very linear fashion—the structure is basic—not by any means a failing on the part of a bio-pic, as any interference artistically could easily be seen as hindering the “political message” that seems to be the intent of the filmmakers.

As Good As the Rumors

Despite resoundingly strong performances from the rest of the cast (no one could possibly outshine Penn here, but Emile Hirsch easily holds his own with overflowing charisma and youth), it truly is Penn's portrayal of Milk that elevates this film above its commonplace approach. Witnessing his all-consuming drive (which ends the relationship with his true love) pitted against his doubts about repeatedly running for office and always meeting defeat play realistically against each other. It is the sweet, loving nature that defines his character, his charisma that draws listeners and followers so readily to him--this is the Milk that Penn gives us, charming throughout and making Milk a superior film.

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Sean Penn, Milk