Gus Van Sant follows up his recent experimental films and quickens his pace with a dynamic and more traditional biopic of equal rights activist and politician Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person to be voted into public office in the US. The film’s authenticity is paramount; screenwriter Dustin Lance Black spent many years developing the script through personal research and interviews, whilst the use of archival footage, subtle special effects and real locations re-dressed in period style transports the audience to 1970s San Francisco. Milk hinges on Penn’s powerfully charismatic yet tender portrayal of one of America’s foremost civil rights campaigners. A career-best and Golden Globe nominated performance from Penn, supported by captivating turns by Josh Brolin and James Franco.
Reviews
“Van Sant fluently returns to the relative mainstream with an adroitly and tenderly observed account of the life of Harvey Milk (with a) surprising and entirely winning performance by Sean Penn” Variety
“A total triumph; brimming with humour, heart, sexual heat, political provocation. If there’s a better movie around this year, with more bristling purpose, I sure as hell haven’t seen it.” Rolling Stone
Awards
Critics Choice Awards ’09 – WINNER
– Best Acting Ensemble
– Best Actor (Sean Penn)
Oscar ’09 – WINNER
– Best Actor (Sean Penn)
– Best Writing: Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Dustin Lance Black)
Golden Globes ’09 nomination
– Best Actor (Sean Penn)
BAFTA ’09 nominations
– Best Film
– Best Original Screenplay (Dustin Lance Black)
– Best Actor (Sean Penn)