Ephemeris of the Mind (Film Review) Milk
Time to read: 2 min read
Movie Poster
My name is Harvey Milk and I'm here to recruit you!
Previous Van Sant film review:
Review
As I'm flying out of SFO, it's only appropriate that I watch the film about a man after which an entire terminal in the airport is named. The film chronicles the life of Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), the first openly gay elected official in California and a renowned gay rights activist.
As with all biographical dramas from the 2000s, the pacing is on the slower end and the overly-uplifting tone is a tad corny. Despite this, Penn's Milk is incredibly strong and nuanced. It's shocking how much Penn resembles Milk physically and how Penn captures Milk's flamboyant and light mannerisms such as his hand gestures and his slight lisp. The supporting cast, which includes his partners Scott Smith (James Franco) and Jack Lira (Diego Luna), as well as his political opponent Dan White (Josh Brolin), all serve to foil and bring out more of Penn's Milk. The film does touch on some darker and more controversial aspects of Milk's life but the story mainly focuses on his accomplishments for the gay community. I used to live in the Mission and I'd go for runs to Twin Peaks, passing by the colourful streets of the Castro, and the various scenes shot in the Castro feel very familiar.
Conclusion
A masterful performance by Penn.