Milk (2008)

Milk

Milk is a biographical film directed by Gus Van Sant based on the life of the Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist and the first to openly gay man to be elected to public office in California as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors (thank you wikipedia). It has Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin and James Franco amongst others.

The movie starts with Milk and his lover Scott Smith (James Franco) moving to San Francisco where they open Castro Camera. Soon the charismatic Milk becomes an activist having a devout group of followers. The movie then proceeds to how Harvey starts his political career showing his unsuccessful runs for the office. Finally he gets elected but then is embroiled in a struggle against the so-called Proposition 6 – a referendum designed to allow school boards to fire gay teachers.

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The movie is very well made take on the life of the late Harvey Milk. The writing and directing is top notch. The story sticks to the facts and presents a multi-layered blend of history and movie making. The director also (of the Good Will Hunting and Finding Forrester fame) has made use of the genuine 70s footage giving it a very realistic feel. The attention to details in the script should be applauded as well.

The movie covers a large span of time but never feels hurried. It movies at a brisk pace. The acting is top notch. Sean Penn displays amazing restraint while playing the character of Milk. One could almost feel the vulnerability. A serious Oscar contender. Among the supporting cast, who were brilliant, it is Josh Brolin, who portrays Milk’s political opponent and fellow Supervisor, Dan White, who stands out. The complexity of the character is evident in Brolin’s portrayal.

Somehow, the movie had a ‘Brokeback Mountain’ feel to it which is not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps it was the open display of affection between homosexuals. Those who couldn’t stand Brokeback Mountain won’t be able to stand this one either.

A very well made movie and definitely worth a watch. A strong Oscar contender as well.

Cheers

Jais

Rediff’s list of 2000s best movies, Regarding;

Rediff had this feature on the best of the movies on each decade. These movies were selected by Mr. Raja Sen who gets abused  (most of it uncalled for) for almost every piece he writes for Rediff. Of course, Mr. Sen was kind enough to tell me how lists are always a matter of opinion. And i agree. However, I could not agree with the list he gave for 2000s. Most of it anyway.

For my Interested readers, the link is as follows: http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/nov/14sd1.htm

Anyway, I sent a mail regarding the same. A reply to which i did not get. Well, didn’t expect a reply honestly. Anyway, this was what i felt.

I had mailed him complimenting his list on 1990s (http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/nov/05sli1.htm). However, it included neither Schindler’s List nor Saving Private Ryan. Otherwise, it was almost perfect. But i can’t say the same for 2000s.

The list starts off with Requiem For A Dream. Amazing movie with some phenomenal performances. Perfect beginning. I remember telling a friend that it wasn’t an easy movie to sit thought. He couldn’t have dinner properly for the couple of days. Deserves a place in the all-time list.

Then we come to Moulin Rouge! which i haven’t seen. So cant really comment.

However, Kill Bill i have seen. And its nowhere near the Tarantino classics such as Pulp Fiction. Mr. Sen used the words “finest-crafted”. But in what way i do not understand. Its a decent watch but nothing more than timepass. But to be in the best of 2000s list? No way!

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, one of the most underrated movies i have seen. Amazing performances by both Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey (Yes! Him!) Deserves to be in the list.
Good Night, And Good Luck, haven’t seen. So cant comment.

Juno, while definitely a good movie, cannot be the best the decade has to offer. The dialogues are too smart to be realistic. However, i did like the movie. And the soundtrack too. But the best of 2000s? Naaa…
No Country for Old men. Cohen brothers at their best (They say. Though i still think Fargo is their best). Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh gave us the best ‘villain’ after Sir Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter. Can’t really dispute this being in the list.

There Will Be Blood. Mind blowing performance by Daniel Day-Lewis (as always). Dano wasnt bad either. But the movie didnt have anything else. Does it deserve to be here? I doubt it.

Wall-E? Cute. Nice watch. but Better than The Incredibles? or Finding Nemo? Or even Shrek?

Dark Knight, good choice. Best comic book adaptation to come. X-men series were overrated i thought. good but overrated. Best 2000s has to offer? Considering the others in the list, i cannot argue against this one (Even if certain people disagree! :P)

And the last in the list being Brokeback Mountain. I really doubt anybody else would have included it. One amazing movie. It has more to offer than just two cowboys in love. Amazing performance by the Late Heath Ledger, as good as his performance as Joker.

Now coming to the movie Mr. Sen didn’t list. How in the bloody world did he miss lord of the rings series?! how? i mean HOW?! It redefined Fantasy genre. Changes were made in the movie adaptation but they weer unaviodable. Keneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times has rightly said that “the trilogy will not soon, if ever, find its equal”. It was an experience! And does not find a place in Mr. Sen’s list (Mr. Sen is a fan of Roger Ebert it seems).

And he also missed out on movies such as Memento, Lost in Translation, Almost Famous, Closer, Before Sunset, Gladiator, Munich etc. None of them are classics. But they would have been better choices that Kill Bill or there will be blood or even Juno. Any day. And why do i also get the feeling that too much emphasis has been given to movies which have in the last couple of years? Somethings wrong.

Anyway, had to write something on Movies. I mean my Blog has to have something on movies. It just HAS to. it wouldnt feel right otherwise. And like i keep emphasising, i lack the creativity to write more than couple of sentences on any topic. And this is probably the biggest blog i will write.

Cheers

Jais