MILK (2008)

directed by Gus van Sant

I find it difficult to decide how good or not good this film is. It's not bad. It's a bio-film, and a message film, but how prescient the message is right now is a bit cloudy as well. Would it have made more of an impact a few years ago? Or was the world not ready to see it until now? And should you show something to the world when the world has adjusted to the issue or should you show something when it needs to be shown and let the world adjust to it?

One thing's for sure, this film came out at least six months too late. California has voted, and decided not to allow gays to marry, and then this film is released and everyone feels a little ashamed of themselves (though Harvey Milk is presented as the sort of pre-AIDS fella that would pick a guy up off the street corner, and that's not really good for the business of scoring sympathy points with conservatives).

But enough about the politics. How good is the film? It's solid. It's slightly operatic in random places that seem to work in spite of themselves. You walk away feeling like the film is important and you wonder why you never knew Harvey Milk existed before this film came out. And... so I both rooted for the man and wondered how he kept himself out of trouble, since he picks guys up in public places with his exceptionally well-honed gaydar.

8.18/10