Milk and Politics

Sean Penn has proven to possess a wide range amongst actors. His major roles consist of a stoner in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” a criminal on death row in “Dead Man Walking” and an ex-con running a store in “Mystic River.”

Now, he plays the first openly gay man elected to a political office in “Milk.”
“Milk” follows middle-aged gay activist Harvey Milk (Penn) after he moves to San Francisco. The film pays heavy attention to his struggles and desires to a make life better for the gay community.

Director Gus Van Sant proves he can play ball in the directing game. He placed his face on the Mount Rushmore of directors by proving that he is able to film a story about a political gay activist and turn it into a recognizable, Oscar-caliber movie.
Supporting actors Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch and James Franco make the movie’s supporting cast one of the best of the year.

Brolin does a fantastic job playing another newly elected supervisor who soon becomes Milk’s nemesis. Hirsch is believable as a young activist whom one can see as a younger version of Milk, and Franco shows his good heart as he plays one of Milk’s biggest supporters.

Whether you agree or disagree with Milk’s politics, his caring character will charm you, and by the end of the film you will find yourself rooting for things to work out for him. “Milk” puts itself in contention for an Academy Award with its brilliant acting and directing. Go watch it.