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Milk…it does the body good

posted by Landon Cassman at 12:17 pm.

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Milk is based on the true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly homosexual person to gain a position as an elected official in public office in the United States. Though his term didn’t last long, we learn he was assassinated at the beginning of the film, he made a lasting impression on both the rights of gays and minorities in general. After his death in 1979, it’s hard to believe the extreme amount of bigotry and anti-gay sentiment that existed just 30 years ago.

After having secured the spot on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, a proposition was beginning to be enforced across the country called Proposition 6. What it did was take away teaching jobs from openly gay people and those who supported them. The law was put into effect in several parts of the country and was one of first times that Milk took an activist position, eventually have San Francisco vote no to Prop. 6. This film is relevant because it reflects common themes that we see in our society today. Proposition 8, the banning of two people of the same gender of getting married, has been put into effect in California, the home of Harvey milk and his activism. And still, outrage and dissent is prevalent on both sides of the issue, similar as it was back in 1978.

The film is also a mirror on how a minority can go against all odds and take office, as in the election of President-elect Barack Obama as the first African American for the job. Milk, played by Sean Penn in one of his many well-done roles, lights up the screen with his enthusiasm in bringing change for his people. Director Gus Van Zant has put together a biopic that pulls at your emotions and has you marvel at how well it’s put together. Go out and try to find this movie any way you can. It’s worth the watch.

Landon Cassman: Through boredom and pure enjoyment I find myself always involved in either film or music related endeavors. This is one of them.