Being a homophobe is not a bad thing. It is a choice! You can work well with those of the opposite persausion and still not approve of their lifestyle or choices. Much as a co-worker that fools around with the boss to get up the corporate ladder. They may be fun, entertaining, kind and giving people, but just not your cup of tea.
Many people have been afraid to go see the movie “Milk”. Most of our homophobic friends use excuses like: “I know the story very well!” or “Who needs to see a bunch guys kissing?”. In any event, we might remind these folks that this is 2009, not 1959! We are supposed to be more forgiving of “alternate lifestyles”. You know too many kids today that have children out of wedlock, live and have relationships with members of the same sex, live in multiple complex men/women, boy/girl relationships. All of these can be fundamentally offensive to those of us with a desire to maintain “principled and traditional values”. The obvious problem is that no matter what “we might approve of”….it is very doubtful that our choices are going to change the behavior or actions of those dedicated to an alternate path.
Parents have threatened, written out of their wills and even castigated publically their very own progeny for actions of which they thought not in their best interest. Drugs, Sex or even Tatoo issues can be monumental. So, when we discuss a valuable realistic “Social Commentary” such as “Milk” the tendency to simply dismiss that story as “unnecessary or basically very offensive” and not worthy of our time.
Sean Penn will probably win “Best Actor” at the Oscars this Sunday. This may indeed offend some, but this is no way will deminish his effort and very great achievement at telling this important story. We never supported Harvey Milk or Mayor Masconi during those turbulent times and history of San Francisco! Their deaths however, much like Waco, the Stockton Schoolyard Shooting and the JFK Assasination were important historical events that have become “Urban Legend”.
Sean Penn, no matter what you may think of his politics…did an absolute superb job protraying Harvey Milk. Additionally, this film brings to the party more importantly….how Community Activism becomes effective and how that effectiveness has great responsibility, which if pushed too far can have catastrophic results to all of society. We encourage all, even on the edge of politics, to bite their lips and rent or watch “MIlk”. Josh Brolin played the infamous, sad character SF Supervisor Dan White. His story too makes for important historical theatre…that in fact, has changed our society forever!
So you are supporting the gay community by using your disposable income to see an actor who supports despots and criminals who torture and jail homosexuals.
Seems to me its only ok when that’s a Democrat.
I think homophobes are the people who go to see Sean Penn. Shows how heartless they really are.
That being said, glad to see someone adding to the film review section of this BLOG!
*We attempt to support intelligent dialogue whenever possible. If the information actually adds to the gene pool …..that too might be a good thing.
Taking sides is oh too yesterday. Rush Limbaugh is still living on another planet along with Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly. The day comes that they bring back the MODERATE voices of Bob Dornan and Michael Savage……we might listen to them again.
In the meantime, try to letting a little history and culture rub off on your shoes or backside!
Crowley, go climb back under your rock.
Thank God Art has the Winships to balance out all the hate and stupidity from the Seilers and Crowleys….
I actually think that the best Actor award might go to Mickey Rourke. The folks who accurately predicted the election results, are predicting the Oscars this year over at 538
However, Sean Penn did an incredible job in MILK. The whole movie was done well and told a great story of courage and determination.
Nice review R&A. You summed it up nicely!
I see news reports that say the pubic is generally less interested in the Oscar process and event this year than in the past, and most have not seen even one of the 5 movies nominated. Seems like the topic is a big yawn. Looks like movies, actors and actresses are becoming less and less relevant to the general public. In my view Penn is a talented actor but I am not interested in hearing his personal views, or the opinions of any of the other top contenders/award recipients. They are no more informed than the rest of us, so why are their views marketed? Perhaps to create controversy under the theory that the controversial attract a following. Sort of like the top of my refrigerator seeming to attract dust.
“I see news reports that say the pubic is generally less interested in the Oscar process and event this year than in the past, and most have not seen even one of the 5 movies nominated”
I have not seen that news. Do you have a link for it?
I’ve seen most all of the movies this year, except for The Reader.
Of course people won’t go to expensive movies during an economic crisis. That makes more sense to me than people are no longer interested in filmed entertainment.
If you really are “older than…” you probably don’t go to movies anyways, right?
Hi Red. I believe the report I saw was on KTLA morning show in which their entertainment guy made the comment, while at the same time chattering away with excitement about “the stars” etc. There was also a segment on KNX news in the last 48 hours where a reporter on the street ((In NY City I think, but don’t hold me to that) was randomly stopping pedestrians to ask them if they knew the name of one of the 5 movies nominated. Only 1 new a name, another person came close to getting the name of one movie right, the other 3 did not know and just laughed. Not a scientific study, for sure, but I think that it was still a noteworthy bit of into. As for visiting movies I would say about 1-2 times a year, and you are right about the expense – especialy if one puchases edibles in the movies. I was in hog heaven a couple weeks ago when one of the T.V. cable channels had a day of Charles Bronson revenge movies, my cup of tea. As you might suspect, I subscribe to the theory that all human actions are motivated by but three things – revenge, lust and greed. So that is a strong clue of the kind of movies I like (Kill Bill 1 and 2 were excellent!) And you?
Hey Older than – I enjoyed your response very much!
Did you happen to see The Dark Knight (batman movie with heath ledger as the joker)? If you like human motivations, you might love the DK. Also, Iron Man with Robert Downey was excellent if you enjoy the narcissistic personality disordered. Both of those actors made the movies entertaining and believable. You a fan of “7”?
It’s older and on DVD, but it was totally engulfing. Another older one: The Fight Club also grabs you fast and keeps you hooked the entire time.
Personal preference for me are the movies that somehow manage to be unpredictable. “Doubt” was a good movie this season – Gustavo Arellano might like that one- as it deals with naughty catholic priests that prey on parish members.
I like character studies, I like funky foreign films. I especially like documentaries on religious cults. I like movies that make you forget about everything else, except for what you are experiencing on the screen. I watch movies to be entertained. 😉
On a side note, the new theaters at the Tustin District are awesome. If you are 50+ and go before noon the price is six bucks. Still pricey – but a much better deal than the evening rates, fyi.
*RV,
Good comments all….”The Reader” was in fact
quite excellent and worth your review. We believe
Kate Winslet will win for that performance.
For those who are offended by Sean Penn’s politics it reminds us much of those that refused
to see “Last Tango in Paris” because Marlon Brando supported Native American Indians.
All in all, “Milk” is a must see for “anyone” involved in politics….at any level. But hey,
we still haven’t seen “ET” because we didn’t like Spielberg! So, we suppose we must have been opposed to “aliens immigration” from way back!
I saw three of the nominees for Best Movie and still believe Gran Torino was the best movie of the year. Also, I knew Sean Penn would win best actor simply because of the part he played. Hollywood leans so far to the left that any movie about homosexuality stands a good chance of winning an award. Clint Eastwood deserved best actor for Gran Torino but knowing Hollywood, the academy will choose a movie about a homosexual over a movie which depicts an old man insulting Asians every time. Eastwood needn’t worry, the box office receipts speak for themselves; i.e.., Gran Torino made more money than Milk, Slumdog Millionaire, and Frost/Nixon combined.
Penn should move to Cuba
suzie,
I thought the Eastwood snub was awful. I also thought that the Dark Knight should have been considered for Best Picture.
Penn is an amazing actor, so I won’t begrudge him the victory. He truly immersed himself in the Milk character.
As for Cuba, I think we ought to establish free trade with them.
While I applaud your efforts to persuade the public to overcome homophobic attitudes and go see “Milk”, and I concur that Sean Penn’s portrayal of Harvey Milk— the first openly gay official elected to public office in the United States— was powerful, moving and effective I feel that his now Oscar win had little to do with that performance and more to do with current Hollywood Politics. As a political blog you may be ok with that but as a filmmaker that is not the purpose of the Academy Awards. Released in mid-December, “Milk” came out on the heels of the outrage regarding the passage of California’s Proposition 8 and I believe his win is more a reaction to those events. Sean Penn delivers in this role, perhaps even better than his fellow nominees but this award was not about his acting, or his craft, it was about Hollywood sending a message.
When Prop 8 passed the loudest outcry in California came from the entertainment industry. Penn received a standing ovation for his win but watching the awards, as you looked at the crowd cheering for Mr. Penn, they were really cheering for themselves. This moment was their moment of redemption, not just for Prop 8 but for the Academy snubbing “Brokeback Mountain”, a superior film, three years ago. Although “Brokeback” won three out of the eight awards it was nominated for, it is widely believed that Hollywood wasn’t then ready for a homosexual-themed film to sweep the awards(Though I will admit, “Milk” didn’t get to Sweep but it would have had it not been for “Slumdog Millionaire”). “Milk”, was the academy’s opportunity to make amends, an attitude spurred by Prop 8. Apparently it only took another three years for the Academy to be prepared to take such an action. Even Heath Ledger’s academy award for best supporting actor, which was well deserved and whose worth should not be diminished, was tied to his “Brokeback Mountain” performance. His immersion into his “Brokeback” role was just as deep, haunting and mesmerizing as his role as the Joker. Last night was Ledger’s last opportunity for an Oscar and the Academy made sure he got one in appreciation of his trade craft as reflected in his entire repertoire of work. Both Sean Penn and Heath Ledger are amazing actors worthy of their accolades, awards and recognition but by politicizing the Oscars you are diminishing the art and honestly modern films are already achieving that on their own(“Fire Up” anyone?). Politics need not assist them in that endeavor.
Lastly I would like to say that contrary to everyone exalting Sean Penn’s acceptance speech I found it crude. Harvey Milk believed in showing homophobes that homosexuals were the every man, and thus they were equal, not in “shaming” his opponents. Penn’s tone suggested to me his own personal hate crusade. Ron and Anna, I wonder what you think about Penn now that he has won. You praised the film for its portrayal of effective community activism. Is this what you had in mind, “shaming” the opponent? I am sure you didn’t. Make no mistake; I am strictly opposed to Proposition 8 and any other existing legislation of its type anywhere in our nation however I felt Penn’s remarks were not appropriate for the time and place. On the other hand, “Milk” screenwriter, Dustin Lance Black, gave one of the most heartfelt and touching speeches of the night proving you can be insightful, thought provoking, and effectively promote a cause in a more graceful and gracious manner.
Sonya,
Don’t be too hard on Penn. Some folks find it hard to control their emotions.
Not everyone is a Martin Luther King Jr.
I agree that Dustin Black’s comments were a home run.
Sonya & Art,
Great comments although we disagree on some points! YES, probably a political pick…but worse than that was “Slumdog”…have not seen
it…to be honest. But talk about perfect timing for allowing “Global Entertainment”!
We also were offended by Sean’s “beat up” on the NO of 8 people. His only defense was that there
were protesters outside the Kodak Theatre. We never saw a news report about that…you guys?
Dustin is a nice kid….but again should not have made his comments so transparently “self serving”.
We were looking for something more like: “What a great honor….thank you for allowing a look at what many minorities go through in this country!”
“Craft and Genius” are one thing….standing on a tall soapbox is usually not as attractive!