Milk

Synopsis:

Using flashbacks from a statement recorded late in life and archival footage for atmosphere, this film traces Harvey Milk’s career from his 40th birthday to his death. He leaves the closet and New York, opens a camera shop that becomes the salon for San Francisco’s growing gay community, and organizes gays’ purchasing power to build political alliances. He runs for office with lover Scott Smith as his campaign manager. Victory finally comes on the same day Dan White wins in the city’s conservative district. The rest of the film sketches Milk’s relationship with White and the 1978 fight against a statewide initiative to bar gays and their supporters from public school jobs.

Quick Thoughts:

“Milk” is a difficult queer history film to watch and as such, one I have only seen a few times. Based on the real life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person to be elected to a public office in California, the film is a roller coaster of emotions. Sean Penn brings Harvey to life with an abundance of optimism despite the multiple failed election campaigns, a failed relationship, the death of his lover, and many of the same issues we all faced during the days when queer activism was at its strongest. In fact, they actually used a good amount of archival footage from his life and the activism Harvey inspired. Yet it’s also a tragic film and they don’t shy away from the unfortunate outcome: Harvey Milk was assassinated for being gay. Right away, they start with breaking news of his death, and the rest of the story is told in an odd juxtaposition of flashbacks pierced with a self-recorded statement from Harvey himself.

Overall, “Milk” is a must-watch queer history film, for it’s a key part of Queer history in the US. Just don’t forget to bring your tissues.