Spring Break
'Milk' cast delivers Oscar-worthy performance
Sean Smith
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Sean Penn is recognized as one of the greatest character actors of his generation, tackling such roles as an ex-con in his award winning part in "Mystic River," mentally challenged father in "I Am Sam," or even burnt out surfer, Spicoli, in "Fast Times At Ridgemont High." In "Milk," Penn further expands his character résumé as the first openly gay male to take major political office in the United States-what might be his most inspirational role to date.
"Milk" follows the story of Harvey Milk and his journey through an eight-year span to becoming the first politician that was openly homosexual as well as a huge advocate for American civil rights.
Looking for more purpose, Milk and his lover Scott Smith (James Franco) relocate from New York to San Francisco, where they open a small business, Castro Camera, in the heart of a working-class neighborhood that was soon to become a haven for gay individuals from around the country. The film was shot on location and the Castro was recreated to capture the1970s San Francisco feel. With his beloved neighborhood and beautiful city empowering him, Milk becomes an outspoken agent for change.
With vitalizing support from Scott and new friends and volunteers, Milk plunges headfirst into the choppy waters of politics. He also mentors young street activists like Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch). Bolstering his public profile with humor, Milk's actions speak even louder than his words. Soon, he is known all across the city and even beyond. After three unsuccessful elections, Milk is finally elected supervisor of District 5.
Penn delivers a stunning performance as Harvey Milk. He is able to skillfully showcase the multiple personality traits of the great politician. Penn is able to properly demonstrate the showy nature of Harvey Milk that was constantly shown in the public eye, the caring and loving side of him that is only really seen by his partner, and the introspective ideals that narrate the movie through a self-interview. The past few weeks have seen a lot of Oscar buzz generating around Penn and this movie and the delicate execution of Milk's character show the viewer why.
"Milk" follows the story of Harvey Milk and his journey through an eight-year span to becoming the first politician that was openly homosexual as well as a huge advocate for American civil rights.
Looking for more purpose, Milk and his lover Scott Smith (James Franco) relocate from New York to San Francisco, where they open a small business, Castro Camera, in the heart of a working-class neighborhood that was soon to become a haven for gay individuals from around the country. The film was shot on location and the Castro was recreated to capture the1970s San Francisco feel. With his beloved neighborhood and beautiful city empowering him, Milk becomes an outspoken agent for change.
With vitalizing support from Scott and new friends and volunteers, Milk plunges headfirst into the choppy waters of politics. He also mentors young street activists like Cleve Jones (Emile Hirsch). Bolstering his public profile with humor, Milk's actions speak even louder than his words. Soon, he is known all across the city and even beyond. After three unsuccessful elections, Milk is finally elected supervisor of District 5.
Penn delivers a stunning performance as Harvey Milk. He is able to skillfully showcase the multiple personality traits of the great politician. Penn is able to properly demonstrate the showy nature of Harvey Milk that was constantly shown in the public eye, the caring and loving side of him that is only really seen by his partner, and the introspective ideals that narrate the movie through a self-interview. The past few weeks have seen a lot of Oscar buzz generating around Penn and this movie and the delicate execution of Milk's character show the viewer why.
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