Milk

Riveting, well-constructed storytelling marks this Gus Van Sant film about the last eight years in the life of openly gay San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk. I hate to say that Milk is completely entertaining, because it’s about something far more important than entertainment, but it really is one of the most entertaining movies of the year. Van Sant has a real knack for narrative, using Milk’s romantic/personal life as a partial frame for Milk’s political activism. Cinematographer Harris Savides forgoes his usual photographic style in favor of more close-ups, lots of strong establishing shots and very clear storytelling. Though Milk tells a story of historical importance, and it’s a tale of triumph over bigotry and the tragedy that can accompany standing up for what’s right, it is nonetheless an excellent movie.