Milk (movie)

This movie is enjoying a commercial release in Adelaide. I just gasp everytime the trailer is shown in the gym. Though there are lots of gay men around, bigots also lurk amongst us. I do not know yet if people are actually watching this.

I am very impressed with the research that came with this movie. Gus Van Sant showed real clips of the Stonewall Riot and raids conducted by police officer in the 70s. It also showed video clips of all the characters in the movie.

The production design is excellent. Sometimes, it is hard to distinguish which is a real video clip and which one is re-enacted. The saturation of the colours created a good mood for the main plot.

James Franco is charming and looks good with an Afro. Sean Penn's portrayal terribly reminds of his performance in "I am Sam". Perhaps, he associates "sexual deviance" with intellectual disability.

I am grateful that big-name actors are supporting this movie and that a great director is in it. But I am somehow disappointed that openly-gay actors are not taking the major roles in this movie. Harvey Milk saw coming out as a political statement so why can't it be shown in this movie?

It is very humbling to see how far the gay movement has moved. Unfortunately, there is not much progress in the US, especially after the win of Proposition 8.

This is a helpful tool to educate young minds about equality and human rights. Though it is not an excellent film, I really hope that this will be shown in many schools around the world. I doubt if this will ever be shown in my old Catholic school.