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Milk: After 30 Years, a Film Returns to a Harrowing Time in San Francisco
Artiste:
May I second that !
Love you Harvey Milk !
Lynne:
--- Quote from: southendmd on November 27, 2008, 12:07:25 am ---...I've said elsewhere that I'm a big fan of the 1984 documentary "The Times of Harvey Milk". "Milk" borrows heavily from the documentary, and follows a good chunk of its structure. In fact, many instances of footage included in the documentary were simply recreated with actors. I found myself thinking, why did "Milk" even have to be made? To me, "Times" was sparer, less sentimental, and ultimately, more effective and more moving. "Milk" does flesh out Harvey's life, and his motley inner circle. But I found it too hero-worshipful. I think the blame lies with the script. Sean Penn does his best to inject some nuance and dimension that just isn't in the script.
--- End quote ---
I was thinking about this in the shower this morning (go figure!), and it occurs to me that one reason it's good the biopic was made, despite some faults, is that the big names like Sean Penn, James Franco, James Brolin will draw a (hopefully) wider audience from a (again hopefully) different demographic than the documentary did. In addition, twenty-plus years later it's good that the material be revisited even though the documentary will likely always stand as the definitive film on Harvey Milk.
retropian:
--- Quote from: Lynne on November 27, 2008, 02:04:54 pm ---I was thinking about this in the shower this morning (go figure!), and it occurs to me that one reason it's good the biopic was made, despite some faults, is that the big names like Sean Penn, James Franco, James Brolin will draw a (hopefully) wider audience from a (again hopefully) different demographic than the documentary did. In addition, twenty-plus years later it's good that the material be revisited even though the documentary will likely always stand as the definitive film on Harvey Milk.
--- End quote ---
I too hope it reaches a wide audience. Especially considering it's relevance to today's world. It saddens me to know that the people who should see it, are the very ones who will refuse.
Aloysius J. Gleek:
So, I've seen 'Milk.'
First, I must say, the actors are first rate. Sean Penn is wonderful, James Franco is a love.
The movie, well--Van Sant did manage to transmit a great deal of information and package it into 128 minutes. But--as retopian said, 'Milk' is prose, not poetry.
But--as retopian ALSO said--one hopes the movie will reach a wide audience.
Well, good. We need it. It may not be a great film, but it is a good film, a worthy film.
Next to last: the most evocative (and scary) character was not Josh Brolin as Dan White, but the real-life Anita Bryant in full-color documentary footage. Attractive, charasmatic, talented--and utterly dangerous. Van Sant was wonderful, at least, in cleverly using the important footage, and inserting it at the right points. Good job!
Finally: the last image, just before the final credits, the silent, laughing Harvey Milk, himself. It was then tears sprung out from my eyes.
We are all in his debt--straight and gay.
retropian:
--- Quote from: jmmgallagher on November 28, 2008, 08:05:08 pm ---So, I've seen 'Milk.'
First, I must say, the actors are first rate. Sean Penn is wonderful, James Franco is a love.
The movie, well--Van Sant did manage to transmit a great deal of information and package it into 128 minutes. But--as retopian said, 'Milk' is prose, not poetry.
But--as retopian ALSO said--one hopes the movie will reach a wide audience.
Well, good. We need it. It may not be a great film, but it is a good film, a worthy film.
Next to last: the most evocative (and scary) character was not Josh Brolin as Dan White, but the real-life Anita Bryant in full-color documentary footage. Attractive, charasmatic, talented--and utterly dangerous. Van Sant was wonderful, at least, in cleverly using the important footage, and inserting it at the right points. Good job!
Finally: the last image, just before the final credits, the silent, laughing Harvey Milk, himself. It was then tears sprung out from my eyes.
We are all in his debt--straight and gay.
--- End quote ---
Pretty much my reaction to the film, definitely worthy. A worthy film, a worthy tribute to Harvey. And yes, Dan White was not the scariest character, his portrayal by Josh Brolin was nuanced and one had a certain sympathy for his frustrations. It is Anita Bryant who was the face of evil in this film. She was and remains a moral monstrosity.
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