Milk (2008)

Milk (2008)
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Name	Milk
Director	Gus Van Sant
Producer	Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks, Michael London

Milk (2008) is a biographical drama film based on the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly LGBT person to be elected to public office in California, as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The film explores the life of Harvey Milk, from his early days as a New York City resident, to his move to San Francisco and his eventual rise to prominence as a gay rights activist, alongside Cleve Jones, Anne Kronenberg, and George Moscone. The film also delves into the relationships between Harvey Milk and other notable figures, including Mayor George Moscone, Dan White, and Dianne Feinstein. The story is set against the backdrop of the 1970s, with the Stonewall riots and the Gay Liberation Front serving as a catalyst for the gay rights movement.

Plot

The film follows the life of Harvey Milk, from his 40th birthday, where he meets his younger lover, Scott Smith, to his assassination, along with Mayor George Moscone, by Dan White. The story is interspersed with footage of real-life events, including the Stonewall riots, the Gay Liberation Front, and the California Proposition 6 campaign, which Harvey Milk and his allies, including Cleve Jones and Anne Kronenberg, fought against. The film also explores the relationships between Harvey Milk and other notable figures, including Dianne Feinstein, Willie Brown, and Jim Jones, the leader of the Peoples Temple. The plot is driven by the struggles of Harvey Milk and the LGBT community, as they face opposition from conservative groups, such as the Save Our Children coalition, led by Anita Bryant and supported by Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority.

Production

The film was directed by Gus Van Sant and produced by Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks, and Michael London, with a screenplay by Dustin Lance Black, who drew inspiration from the book The Mayor of Castro Street, by Randy Shilts. The film was shot on location in San Francisco, with many of the scenes filmed in the Castro District, where Harvey Milk lived and worked. The production team consulted with many of the people who knew Harvey Milk, including Cleve Jones, Anne Kronenberg, and Dianne Feinstein, to ensure the accuracy of the film. The film's score was composed by Danny Elfman, who has also worked on films such as Spider-Man and Batman.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast, including Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, Josh Brolin as Dan White, Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones, and Diego Luna as Jack Lira. The cast also includes James Franco as Scott Smith, Allison Pill as Anne Kronenberg, and Victor Garber as Mayor George Moscone. The film also features appearances by Dennis O'Hare as Senator John Briggs, Joseph Cross as Dick Pabich, and Stephen Spinella as Rick Stokes. The cast's performances were widely praised, with Sean Penn winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Harvey Milk.

Release

The film was released in November 2008, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. The film premiered at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco, with many of the cast and crew in attendance, including Gus Van Sant, Sean Penn, and Cleve Jones. The film was released in the United States by Focus Features, and in other countries by Universal Pictures. The film's release was accompanied by a campaign to promote LGBT rights, with many organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, using the film as a tool to raise awareness and promote activism.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of the cast, particularly Sean Penn and Josh Brolin. The film was also praised for its historical accuracy, with many of the people who knew Harvey Milk praising the film's portrayal of his life and legacy. The film won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor for Sean Penn and the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Dustin Lance Black. The film was also nominated for several other awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Drama and the BAFTA Award for Best Film. The film's success helped to raise awareness of LGBT rights and promote activism, with many organizations, including the It Gets Better Project and the Trevor Project, using the film as a tool to promote their work. Category:2008 films