by Lorien Faulkner on January 25, 2009

Drama, Harvey Milk, History, Sean Penn

I’ve been to San Franciso a number of times, for a number of things.  I’ve walked through The Castro, and although my job is sometimes to take pictures, my digital camera has no need for film.  I’ve sat in the Moscone Center, but I generally neglect to mention it because I’m afraid I’ll pronounce it wrong.  I like to consider myself of above average intellect, but in retrospect I think it’s safe to say that I know very little.

The next time I make it to Telegraph Hill, I plan on pausing to take it all in.

The film Milk is the story of Harvey Milk (played by Sean Penn), an openly gay man that made history by becoming the first gay man to become an elected official in the state of California, and made history shortly thereafter by being brutally murdered by a colleague.  The story is based on facts,  so much so that it could even be classified as a historical film. During my research for this piece, it became apparent that the producers of the film want to tell Harvey Milk’s story as honestly as possible.

I’ve hesitate to pen my thoughts on this film, as the gay rights movement in the great state of Oklahoma is obviously a point of contention.  Let me be completely honest: when I first thought about putting down these words, I wanted to open with “My name is Lorien Faulkner, and I’m here to recruit you.”  I later decided that would do Mr. Milk’s legacy a discredit, and I wouldn’t be caught dead doing something silly like that.

I am not gay.  That said, I’m also no bigot.

I’m also no preacher, so I’ll leave the rest of the thoughts wanting to pound themselves onto the keyboard in my head.  If you ever want to have a lengthy conversation about my thoughts on the state of humanity, feel free to pull me aside sometime and ask me what I thought about Milk.  It might make for an interesting conversation, or it might start a fight.  It’ll be your call, either way.

The collective memory of our country is far too short.  If you get a chance, I would like to urge you to watch Milk.  If you’re worried about what your family or friends might think, feel free to NetFlix it in the privacy of your home.  The film is not obscene, and more importantly it tells a story that needs to be heard right now, this very minute.  I’ll leave you with words that I think are as weighty as Dr. King’s “I have a dream.”

“My name is Harvey Milk, and I’m here to recruit you.”

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