Revival Review: "Come out, come out... wherever you are."

With all the notoriety now surrounding the Hollywood bio-pic of Milk (see my review here), it's no surprise that the original Milk, also known as Rob Epstein's Oscar winning documentary The Times of Harvey Milk, would resurface. The film was released in 1984, six years after Milk's death by assassination, and also coincidentally, the year of shooter Dan White's release from prison. Despite the fact that the film was made decades ago, long before computers and even fax machines (as Rob joked), it's still as relevant today as it was then (and Hollywood would have to agree). A few weeks ago, hulu.com began streaming the film, and it was there that I was able to see it for the first time. However, last night, I was lucky enough to get to see it on the big screen at the Jacob Burns with Epstein himself there to talk about his creative process. There was something about seeing this film with an audience, especially after the release of Milk, that made last night very special. It was one of those times when you could tell everyone was reacting in unison. There was no doubt that the film nailed every minute.

Epstein's original documentary brainchild had been to do a film about the Brigg's Initiative (aka Prop 6). However, soon after beginning to do early research, he found that the right story to tell might be about Harvey Milk. Milk had become an icon for San Francisco and the Gay Rights movement, but it was through this documentary that much more of the world came to know about his legacy. The story is told through narration by different people who knew and were affected by knowing Harvey. Epstein interviewed everyone from the now famous Anne Kronenberg (his campaign manager) to a union machinist, who before meeting Harvey thought "if you beat up a gay, you were doing the community a service." The one thing all the narrators had in common, is that they came to love Harvey, and not only because of what he stood for, but because he was sometimes insane, rebellious, and always funny. Epstein hit gold with each of the storytellers, but that was in no way by accident. He, and others, spent months interviewing hundreds of people who knew Harvey (including lover Scott Smith who's not in the film, but is played in Milk by James Franco). Ultimately it was narrowed down to the right 8 people. Each voice gave you an insight, not only to Harvey, but to the issues of the time and how they affected them as individuals. They all do an incredible job of making you fall in love with Milk, and subsequently help you feel the weight of their loss. Their pain becomes yours.

The documentary does many things which the film Milk does not, one of which is go into the trial of Dan White, one of the most infamous trials to date. We discover that the man literally got away with murder. And not because of the "twinkie defense" as claimed, but because he was a handsome, white, catholic former fire fighter... and people like that just don't go committing murder in cold blood. While I understand the reason for Milk not telling this part of the story, I am glad that the documentary does. It is an extremely poignant part of the film about our justice system, and how too often, it just doesn't work. When doing a restoration of the film, Epstein had a option to add in a card at the end of the film saying that White committed suicide in 1985, but chose not to, deciding to keep the film intact as it was when finished.

The film is edited beautifully, from the opening of Diane Feinstein pronouncing the deaths of Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk, to the incredibly beautiful candlelight march shots. The score by Mark Ishman is so on point, that it, like the film itself, has become iconic. It's an incredible story that Epstein was brave for telling (especially at the time). To culminate all the hard work (sans computers), Epstein was awarded the Oscar for Best Documentary, a well deserved win. Towards the end of the Q&A, moderator (NYTimes Critic) Janet Maslin asked Epstein if he remembered his acceptance speech. He responded with a little laugh and said "Being Jewish, I didn't want to write anything down, thinking I might curse it, but then you have to write something... People started to say we were going to win, and I couldn't talk for a week. I do remember I thanked my partners on the film, and my partner in life." Throughout the interview, Maslin made no qualms about her strong feelings that Epstein was not thanked enough (though thanked in the credits) by the creators behind Milk. I understand her being of this opinion, given the rave review she gave to the documentary when it first came out and her emotional loyalty to it, but a Hollywood film and a documentary are entirely different no matter how you slice it. I think both films deserve a lot of credit in their own right, but being that the documentary paved the way for a story like this to be told, Epstein will always be considered a true original.

Short and Sweet

Gorgeous and emotionally compelling. The Times of Harvey Milk is an incredible example of what a good documentary can accomplish, and Epstein's look into Milk's public life shows you how much one person can accomplish, even if their life was cut short. While it was amazing to see it in a theater, it's good to watch this one at home, cause you'll probably cry (it's ok to admit it). Well edited, beautiful score, perfect narrative structure... it hits on all marks. And meeting Rob Epstein was an awesome (overwhelming) bonus!

Fav Quotes

"I know that you cannot live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living. And you... and you... and you... Gotta give 'em hope."

- (The real) Harvey Milk

"What are you doing here?"

It's impossible not to admire his style. It's just too purple to ignore. Reviews of Milk and Adam Resurrected are soon to come, and this week I'm seeing a preview screening of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, so that review will be on it's way too. Here's a few weird, fun, gay things.  

• If you're in the mood to spend approximately 48 hours watching a gay love saga on a British soap opera, than look no further! John Paul and Craig This is part 1 of 54, all of which are posted on youtube. It's epic in every sense of the word. They say fabulous things like "What are you doing here?" and "I'm not your bit on the side!" Every time a door closes, someone gets laid... it's that amazing.

• Despite my self-professed love of all things Twilight, I feel it's always important to showcase other opinions. So here is EW's Twilight: A Hater's Guide. View it if you must...
  

• BIG NEWS! Netflix is finally offering instant watch for Mac users!!! Lord knows it took them long enough... Watch anything from Mommie Dearest to 30 Rock! 
  

• By now, it's pretty evident that it has been a weak year for film. We have a few winners coming out now (maybe), but overall the year has been lacking in real jaw-dropping cinema. Film.com begs the question, was this the worst movie year ever? You decide.
  

• The Golden Globe nominations just came out, and there's a few big upsets. First off, no best picture drama nomination for Milk? I loved Frost/Nixon, but c'mon, I think Milk deserved a spot. In best supporting actor category, Emile Hirsch really deserved a nod  for his role in Milk. He was incredible and completely snubbed. Also, did anyone else notice that 4 out of the 5 nominated films haven't even been released yet? The comedy best picture nominees are a joke from start to finish. No matter how much fun Mamma Mia was (and it really was),  it's madness to honor it with any kind of award (other than an MTV one). Also, when a movie like Wall-E comes along, I would love to see it leap out of an animation category and compete in the "real" races. I think if a movie's really good enough, it shouldn't be banished to the doldrums. But the Golden Globes may be the worst of the awards, so heres hoping the Oscars and the SAG awards are better. And did 'ya hear? Hugh Jackman is hosting the Academy Awards this year! Please let him sing, dance and wear tight pants! Finally, Allah willing, next year in Jerusalem (aka give us better movies!). 
  

• Last, but definitely not least, is a video most people have seen by now, but still had to share, The Prop 8 Musical. Better late than never I guess...
  

And this is just scary as hell and needed to be remembered. Also coming soon, my television catch-up session. Get the DL on what shows need watching! 

Movie Review: Drink Up

I loved Emile Hirsch in Milk. This may not be a traditional way to start a review about a film starring Sean Penn, but despite excellent performances elicited from Penn and good ones from James Franco and Josh Brolin, I loved Hirsch the best. Of course, I love Emile in almost everything, and have made it a life-goal to become the next Mrs. Hirsch, but please, don't let that color my review. From his mop of curly brown hair, to his coke bottle glasses, I adored seeing Emile go gay. Now, that I've gotten my praise for Hirsch out of the way, lets get down to brass tacks. Sean Penn's done it again. He literally becomes Harvey Milk, assassinated gay rights activist, from head to toe. If I had to pick one actor in Hollywood who is a true chameleon, it would have to be Penn, hands down. We've seen him play everything from a grief-stricken mafia boss, to a mentally challenged single father, and even a pizza-loving surfer dude. As Harvey, Penn gives a much more joyful performance than I have seen him do in a long time. His last few characters (21 Grams and Mystic River) have been solemn men with hard exteriors, but in Milk, he glides over the audience like a cool, refreshing beverage. You drink up Milk, but before you say "can I have some more please," the joyful presence that lights up the screen, is extinguished. Penn is able to showcase different sides to Harvey throughout the film. You can see him flamboyantly emerging in San Francisco gay culture, but also retreating to his kitchen, contemplating thoughts of his own assassination. Some may find themselves feeling more attached to the character of Milk than others, but I think it would be difficult for anyone to not feel emotional at his tragic death. 

A big reason Milk resonates so much with audiences is the reality which the characters are based in. I don't mean that they're just based on real people, but that the performances feel relatively un-jaded by film. These are people you know, minus the seventies clothing. The fight they fought then, is one we're still fighting now. With the recent voting of Prop 8, it appears that little has changed from Harvey's "recruiting" days to now. Gay people may be entitled to privacy regarding their orientation in relation to their jobs or health care, but they're still not allowed the same rights I have as a heterosexual. Who knows how much the film will ultimately do in changing anyone's perspective, but it does reiterate the importance of never giving up on the issues that matter. I can only hope that the people who most need to see the film, will, but my skeptical side thinks probably not. Beyond its political message, Milk is also a love story. It's about the love affair that people had with Harvey, and how that enabled him to have short-lived, yet successful, effect on real lives. He saved people, and all of it might never have happened if not for a chance meeting with a handsome boy named Scott.

Scott is played by James Franco, and while it's nice to see Franco show us yet another side to himself, I wouldn't say he stands out in this film (for a better example of Franco's versatility see Pineapple Express). However, I can see why Gus Van Sant cast him. He's a likable, good looking guy, who emanates real warmth throughout the entire movie. You can appreciate the relationship he develops with Harvey, but it never quite sweeps you off your feet. As an alternative to the warmth shown by Franco, Josh Brolin plays his cards close to the vest. It's been a good couple of years for Brolin, hitting the big time with No Country for Old Men, and recently starring in Oliver Stone's W. As San Francisco City Supervisor, he keeps you at a distance, but lets you in just enough to know he'll explode any minute. Again, Brolin's performance fits in the film, but was not a particular stand out. Side bar characters played by Alison Pill and Diego Luna end up generating more original and memorable performances, even if featured in only a handful of scenes. Lesser known Jospeh Cross is also great, as well as Denis O'Hare, who plays Senator John Briggs (aka devil spawn of Anita Bryant).  

With Milk representing Van Sant's return to mainstream cinema, I wondered how indie it would end up feeling. The man has already proved himself capable of helming a bigger budget production, but the last few years he's spent doing films like Elephant and Last Days (both disturbing and unbelievably quiet), so I had to wonder if he would turn Milk into a dramatically paced 24 hours leading up to the murder. Luckily, Van Sant revisited his roots, and gave us a joyous yet still calamitous retelling of a man's life, who deserves to be remembered. Milk draws you in to a world of the past, but frequently reminds you that history has a way of repeating itself. 

Short and Sweet

Larger than life man collides with gay rights movement, and suddenly what was happening on Castro Street exploded over the rest of the country. The end of his story is not the reason worth telling it. Harvey Milk's life makes for a great story because of the people that surrounded him, and the things that he accomplished while still alive. He was inspiration for so many from the past, and maybe this movie can help him become an inspiration for people now. Sean Penn once again lights up the screen along with protege Emile Hirsch. See the film and experience warmth and heart that radiates from the entire cast (except Josh Brolin). 

Fav Quotes

"Can two men reproduce?"   

"No, but God knows we keep trying."  - Dan White and Harvey Milk

"Are you on uppers or something?"

"No, this is just plain old me."  - Scott Smith and Harvey Milk