“Milk” is a riveting movie experience. This biographical tale of the assassination of Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay elected official is a compelling story of the gay, lesbian and transgender community and the fight for their civil rights. The movie follows the charismatic Harvey Milk and his move to San Francisco to go on “an adventure”, and what an adventure it was. Harvey Milk’s political adventure changed our country and broke down walls for the gay movement. Milk and Mayor Moscone’s assassination in the San Francisco city hall by ex-supervisor Dan White was a disturbing turn in our country’s history.

Sean Penn deservedly won the Oscar this year for best actor for his portrayal of Harvey Milk. After watching the film my husband made the comment “you don’t see Sean Penn in his film roles” which is true, he disappears into the character. The film has a very strong supporting cast including excellent performances by Josh Brolin, James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Alison Pill and Diego Luna. The movie was partially filmed on location in the Castro district of San Francisco and included a number of people who experienced this history first hand back in the 70’s.

The writer of the screenplay states he watched the assassination of Harvey Milk on the news and his life was changed forever. No doubt Harvey Milk changed many lives through his activism. Why the film “Milk” did not win more Oscars is a mystery to me, and it certainly should have won for best director. Brilliantly filmed, directed and acted, this is a film that should be on your “do not miss” list.

2008. Directed by Gus Van Sant, written by Dustin Lance Black. Starring Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco, Emile Hirsch and Diego Luna.

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