Tonight I was able to make it to a screening of the new Gus Van Sant film Milk at The Enzian Theater in Winter Park and I have to say, this is by far the best film of 2008. Harvey Milk was the first ever openly gay political candidate to be elected to public office. Milk became a member of the Board of Supervisors of the City of San Francisco in 1977 and would face multiple anti-gay initiatives fiercely and “head-on” before his untimely death in 1978. He also worked to pass a strict anti-discrimination policy in San Francisco in a time when states all over the country were repealing civil rights initiatives for gays and lesbians and an aggressive California-based bill that would outlaw homosexuals as teachers within public schools (lead by Christian right wing-nut Anita Bryant) was being heavily pushed. If you don’t know anything about the life of Harvey Milk, I would encourage you to keep it that way until you see the movie. The film is an absolute masterpiece and Sean Penn continues to prove he is simply one of the best actors of our time. Penn has been nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Actor for his portrayal of Milk. Given the passage of Florida’s Amendment 2, California’s Proposition 8, and Arizona’s Proposition 102 this past election season, this film’s relevance is palpable. Milk was able to shine a light of hope in a time that was very dark for America’s gay and lesbian communities. If you’re gay, you will probably feel a strong sense of connection to the times of Harvey Milk and the times of today. While that is unfortunate, let it serve as an impetus to get you involved in your community and to live your life open and honestly to those you love, those you work with, and those who are significant in your life. If there’s one lesson Harvey Milk left us, it’s that no matter what, “you’ve got to have hope.” I loathe The Enzian and usually refuse to see films there given its pretentious atmosphere and expensive cost. But Milk is definitely worth the trip to The Enzian. Go see Milk… You’ll find the film amazingly inspirational and moving. Milk was released limited on November 26, 2008 from Focus Features. For showtimes in your area and for more information on Milk, visit the film’s official Web Site @ http://www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/milk/.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Milk
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