Hype: Milk

I’m not going to be completely outrageous here and suggest that Slumdog Millionaire didn’t deserve to win big this awards season, but there was one film that stood out for me more than any other this time around; Gus Van Sant’s gay rights extravaganza, Milk. This isn’t to say that Slumdog was anything less than tremendous; Danny Boyle and co get my respect just for having the audacity to film on the streets of Mumbai alone. How exactly did they do that? Navigating a film crew, actors, extras and god knows who else around one of the most densely populated cities on earth; all whilst trying to follow a script and stick to schedules? Ok, hats off. The producers pulled off something truly breathtaking, regardless of what you thought of the character relationships and narrative structure of the piece. I loved the spectacle, but I guess I’m just old fashioned, and the only thing I love more than a good show is the meat and bones of the story. My complete and utter belief and investment into the characters on screen and feeling that I am right there with them, through every battle, through the highs and the lows, right until the bitter end.



Gus Van Sants Milk has characters that I can believe in, and then some. Our protagonist was by no means portrayed as perfect, but he was someone we could learn to relate with. Here was a man, nearing 40 and at the cross roads of his life, about to make a decision that would end up affecting the history of his nation, and no doubt millions of people the world over. Its these kind of stories, grounded in real life, that are perhaps the most gripping to watch, and also the most difficult to get right. Gus Van Sant handles this man, no doubt seen as martyr to many the world over, with conviction and humility. He presents us with a protagonist that is likable and real, but never perfect. The decisions he makes are not always the best for those around him, or indeed for himself in the short term, but they end up having a place in history for all the right reasons.

Sean Penn is mesmerizing as ever; the scene where Harvey Milk realises that he has become the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the United States is evidence enough of his magnetic on screen presence. Penn submerges himself into this character so completely, that you forget all about the angry, brooding performances of his past in the first 10 minutes. He is Harvey Milk. His detractors who suggest that he has been hamming up his roles of late a la the great Mr. Pacino, should take note. Some commentators said that Penns brash acceptance speech at the Oscars illustrated just how nuanced and thoughtful his performance as Harvey Milk truly was; they weren’t wrong. With a supporting cast including James Franco, Emile Hirsch and Josh Brolin this is a film that draws you into the story not just on the basis of a well thought out script, but some truly memorable performances. Perhaps in a year of economic hardship and endless tales of gloom and doom, it was only a film as uplifting and hopeful as Slumdog Millionaire that could lift our spirits. In another year, Milk might have gone home with all the accolades.