Milk review

Harvey Milk sounds more like a character from a children's book than a real life political hero, but as the first openly gay man elected to public office in America, his place in history was assured long before he was assassinated at the age of 48. In this stirring biopic directed by Gus Van Zant, Sean Penn delivers a vibrant performance as the determined, flamboyant and impassioned Milk.

The case of Milk, who was gunned down in 1978, along with San Francisco's Mayor George Moscone, by fellow city supervisor Dan White, is famous in San Francisco where Milk is considered a gay rights martyr. What Van Zant's film does so well, with the aid of Dustin Lance Black's deft script, is paint a picture of a complex, flawed man who, in the burgeoning gay scene of San Francisco in the1970s, found a family and a cause that gave meaning to his life.

The film opens with Milk at 40 questioning the use of his years and his lack of achievement. He vows that before he's 50 he will have made his mark. When he falls in love with Scott Smith (James Franco), the pair move from New York to the Castro district, the recognized home of San Francisco's rapidly expanding gay community. The pair open a camera shop which brings them into conflict with some of their less liberal minded neighbours. Milk soon pits himself against what he sees as the prejudices of the local council. Taking to the streets, he famously stands atop a wooden box with the word 'soap' painted on it and, with the aid of a bullhorn, rallies the gay community against what they consider the inequities they face with his signature cry, "My name is Harvey Milk and I'm here to recruit you."

Penn is gifted at crafting a fully rounded and nuanced character. He infuses Milk with an infectious charm, but also reveals his vulnerabilities and insecurities. Bolstered by a cause, Milk's political ambitions take their toll on his personal life. Devoting all his time and energies towards being elected city supervisor and fighting the bigoted stirrings of Christian fundamentalist Anita Bryant, he finally wins at the third time of trying, by which point he and Smith have separated.

For those unfamiliar with the case, Milk offers a fascinating insight into a man, a movement and a historical moment. Penn is ably supported by a strong cast, in particular Josh Brolin who delivers another great performance as Dan White, who although married with a family, hints in his friendship with Milk a confusion and conflict over his own sexuality.

In the more than 30 years since Milk's death, rather than adopt more liberal attitudes towards homosexuality, America has returned to more fundamentalist values. It makes the film even more poignant and the newsreel footage at the end, showing the throngs of mourners carrying candles, more moving. Milk is an important figure in America, another who sacrificed his life in an effort to make it a better country. This film, while emphasizing much that is shameful about America, does him proud.

Kevin Murphy