If you go to the theater to see Milk, the new Gus Van Sant film starring Sean Penn, it is not necessary for you to know anything about the real Harvey Milk.  If you are educated about the first openly gay man to hold a major political office in the United States, you’ll still find the movie powerful.  After all, it was only three decades ago that Harvey Milk was assassinated.  Yet the days of such outright and accepted hatred and bigotry against the homosexual community seem further removed than they really are.  Van Sant helps to paint that focus by opening the film with a montage of newspaper clippings and news video from the era, with police raiding bars and arresting homosexuals simply for being in such an establishment.  And the violence is not isolated to the prelude, as we see police (with their badges covered) in San Francisco with organized attacks on homosexual patrons after Milk (Sean Penn) has moved with his lover Scott Smith (James Franco) to the Castro district. 

Even in an area with a large homosexual population, the reception from follow proprietors is less than warm when the two decide to open a camera store.  Milk realizes that if the community bands together, they can help homosexual-friendly businesses thrive (not solely those owned by homosexuals; simply those that welcome them into their stores), and put those who hate gays out of business.  This organization leads to his desire to run for city office, to give the community someone to speak for their needs and to their issues.  A series of failures follows, through which Milk learns he needs to mix more hope with his message.  Eventually he succeeds…which is only the beginning of the battle, as soon California is facing Anita Bryant and Proposition 6 (which would require the dismissal of all homosexual teachers, and anyone who supports them).  

Through it all we are exposed to the contagious charm of Harvey.  Despite being hours away from turning 40, he is able to convince a younger Scott to spend the night with him after seeing him on New York subway station steps.  And one by one, Milk wins over those who oppose him.  We also learn what a personal toll his career took in addition to his eventual assassination.  His relationships have to take a back seat to his campaigning, and he and Scott are unable to weather the storm.  But as he explains to the city politician who will eventually pull the trigger and end his life (Josh Brolin), these are not just political issues he and his supporters are fighting for.  They are fighting for their very lives.

Sean Penn gives a commanding performance, weaving a convincing and complete character study.  We know what makes Harvey tick, we feel his pain and we share his triumphs.  Penn does this not just with words, but mannerisms, laughs…his eyes, hands, a tilt of the head.  I’m told those who knew Harvey Milk personally are quite taken both with the film and with Sean Penn’s portrayal.  I suppose there isn’t a batter recommendation for the film than that.  Anyone who take the time to find the film (it is in limited release at the moment) are sure to be rewarded for the experience.