‘Milk’

8 OSCAR NOMINATIONS (including)

-Best Picture

-Best Actor (Sean Penn)

-Best Supporting Actor (Josh Brolin)

-Best Director (Gus Van Sant)

-Best Original Screenplay

Chances are you have never heard of Harvey Milk, who was California’s first openly gay elected official. Gus Van Sant (“Good Will Hunting”) directs “Milk,” a film describing the life and death of the activist. Fortunately, what makes this film different from other films about politicians is it is not in the traditional documentary format. Because of this, “Milk” is bound to hold a viewer’s attention longer than another common political film. Sean Penn gives a brilliant performance as the famed politician who set a good example for all Californians. Josh Brolin plays Dan White, Milk’s co-worker, magnificently. Other notable performances include James Franco as Scott Smith, Milk’s longtime boyfriend. The film describes Milk’s life in such a unique way that it actually keeps viewers totally interested. Thankfully, a film was finally made about a spectacular man’s interesting life and tells a previously untold story that continues to have an effect on our society to this day.