Milk: It Does a Revolution Good

If you see one film this year, see Gus Van Sant's Milk -- if not for Sean Penn's and James Franco's phenomenal performances or Danny Elfman's score or a beyond-engaging history lesson, then see it to be inspired as you haven't been in years.

Something is stirring in the gay community. Maybe we're banking on Barack Obama's momentum. Now that hope is no longer a nostrum so easily met with easy guffaws, it seems like just a hop, skip, and a walk down the wedding aisle for gays.

It's a bit like that famous children's-book story: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the mouse is going to ask for a glass of milk. In this conceit, the cookie was Barack Obama; my hope is, that as Milk makes a splash across the country and world, the gays will have a glass of milk, as well. If you give the gays their milk, they're going to want a straw.

Whatever the case, you won't need to look very far to see the stirrings of a revolution long overdue. Facebook is almost glutted with grassroots campaigns: one to stymie a gay marriage referendum in New York, another advocating a national "gay strike" on December 10, and many others. The Human Rights Campaign has published an extensive list of the businesses that supported Prop 8 while enraged Americans call for boycotts, and the viral video "Prop 8: The Musical," featuring Jack Black as Jesus, has generated more than 1.2 million hits according to the New York Times.

It's palpable: This revolution is moments away from being ignited. (Can you feel it?) Complacency and cynicism are the grumblings of W.'s era -- they're so 2001.

So after you see the film (take a pack of tissues), let everyone you know know that Milk is our glass of milk, a very-much-in-reach glass of milk. Get the milk, and then start demanding a straw. Kick; scream; get the straw, and then... well you know the rest.

Comments

[jontt31]

My boyfriend and I ( a committed gay couple) went to see "Milk" this last Sunday and it was one of the most gratifying movie experiences I have had. We sat in a crowded theater in Chicago occupied almost exclusively by gays; young, old, male, female, and for the first time in a long time, I really felt a part of a community. We all laughed together, cried together, and hissed at Anita Bryant together. We all came together on a cold, snowy night to remember, or for possibly a lot of the young crowd, to learn for the first time, how hard our community had to fight to even be able to get a job without being discriminated against, and how many lives were lost to give us those right we, today, often take for granted. The Passage of Prop 8 blind-sided many of us, but we were also the ones sitting comfortably at home on the sofa thinking that those other gays will stand up for us. But the truth is, no one will stand up for us, but us. So just like that community in that small theater in Chicago last Sunday, We need to come together and continue that fight started, not that long ago. Demand that straw!

[Eric8869]

I saw it twice already in Chicago (At the Century mall theatre in lakeview - I'm boycotting the Cinemark owned theater in Evanston), I totally agree - seeing the movie the audience was full of laughter, indignation and tears. Maybe the poster below didn't need a tissue but I sure did.

I saw it again today with another group of friends. I think it's the most important gay mainstream film to ever come out. Not careful like Philadelphia, Not tragic like Brokeback Mountain but its celebratory, inspiring and moving.

This movie may win Sean Penn the oscar (altho Frank Langella & Heath Ledger will give him competition) - his performance is incredible and unforgettable. The supporting cast is spot on. Seeing it the second time I really admire Emile Hirsch's performace and James Franco just sparkles.

I think everyone who is gay should see it and their families, and their friends. It is truly inspiring.

[FloaterBall]

It is a good film, although I don't really think you need a pack of tissues. Sean Penn, great as always. San Francisco, just as I remember it. Dan White, portrayed with creepy realism by Josh Brolin. My favorite scene: At the very end of the movie is a clip of the real Harvey laughing and laughing away in slow motion. Very touching and in light of the portrayal we've just seen, underscores Harvey's essence.
Go see it.