‘Milk’ Premieres In San Francisco
Director Gus Van Sant’s new film Milk, the biopic on the life of San Francisco’s first openly gay leader, premiered at the Castro Theater on Castro Street in San Fran last night … bringing out all of the principal stars of the film, including Sean Penn, James Franco, Diego Luna and more. Here are a few pics from last night’s red carpet arrivals and some info on the film:
It was only fitting that “Milk,” the film about Harvey Milk’s life and death, premiere Tuesday night in the Castro. Milk, San Francisco’s first openly gay leader who was slain 30 years ago, used to call himself “the Mayor of Castro Street,” referring to the main drag through the neighborhood he represented on the Board of Supervisors and the center of the city’s gay and lesbian community. The world premiere of his biopic brought considerable star power to Milk’s beloved Castro Theatre, including director Gus Van Sant and stars Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch and Diego Luna. The film follows Milk’s rise to office and his and Mayor George Moscone’s assassination at City Hall by fellow Supervisor Dan White in 1978. Van Sant said he had been talking about making this film for 18 years. “He’s an American hero,” Van Sant said. “He’s a great example of a man representing his community and his city.” Milk received another tribute earlier in the day, when a historic streetcar featured in the film was dedicated to him. The supervisor had been a champion of public transportation. Tuesday night’s premiere also brought out many of Milk’s old friends who helped usher in the gay rights movement that has led, a generation later, to a fight over the right of same-sex couples to marry. Gay rights activist Cleve Jones, played in the film by Emile Hirsch, said Milk would have been thrilled at the film but angry that the fight over civil rights continued. He pointed across the street, where hundreds were rallying against Proposition 8, a Nov. 4 ballot measure that would rewrite the California constitution to deny same-sex couples the right to marry. “Harvey would be angry,” Jones said, “and he’d still be fighting.”
Harvey Milk was, indeed, a pioneer and very brazenly went against the grain to fight for the things that he believed in despite drawing the anger and hatred from discriminatory bigots. Every openly gay elected official in this country has Harvey Milk to thank for his trailblazing efforts to show that all Americans, regardless of minority status, can make a difference. I’m fairly certain that a large majority of this country have no idea who Harvey Milk was which is why I feel this film is so important. I have no doubt that Sean Penn, who is an amazing actor, will deliver a stunning performance in the role of Harvey Milk and I can’t wait to see this film for myself. We still have a long way to go to secure the basic rights and liberties of the GLBT community in this country (next Tuesday, California will vote on the matter of marriage equality) but, it can be argued, that we are on the right path to securing liberty and justice for all … and mebbe Harvey Milk’s bravery helped get us on that path. I’m looking forward to seeing this biopic on this hero’s life.
Tags: 'Milk', Diego Luna, James Franco, Mark Cornelsen, Sean Penn, T.R. Knight
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October 29th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I am highly anticipating seeing this film since I saw the trailer a few months ago. Not only does it look like an incredible film with a really important story to be told but I am so excited to see some of the actors playing these roles. Sean Penn of course is amazing but James Franco really looks like a sleeper in this film and I think he is going to do a great job! I am also looking forward to seeing Emile Hirsch- who I think is well seasoned for this role- having worked with Penn now several times. I can’t wait to see it and read your review of the film.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:39 am
What are the buttons James Franco and Diego Luna are wearing?
October 29th, 2008 at 9:41 am
I can’t wait to see this. I live in SF and was really hoping to attend this. I think they might be wearing No on 8 butons?
October 29th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Good thinking, lol. I wasn’t sure if it was presidential race buttons.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:10 am
I believe they are wearing ‘Milk’ campaign buttons
October 29th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Ah yes, the Twinkie Defense! I’m so glad someone did justice to this story.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Hey Trent,
I cannot wait to see this one! The biography by Randy Shilts (The Mayor of Castro Street) is one of the best I’ve ever read. I always loved this story and hoped it would eventually become a movie. Can’t wait!
October 29th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I still think TR Knight with a 19 yo is ridiculous. I’m glad if they are happy but if a 35 yo can’t find a guy around his age, there is a problem. I bet TR has given him alcohol. Paging the LAPD! :)
October 29th, 2008 at 11:26 am
JarEdine, what is that about^. Wierd, Anywho, I am so looking forward to this movie!!
October 29th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I can’t wait to see the Portland premiere which Gus Van Sant is holding to benefit Outside In. Outside In supports homeless youth in the community. http://www.outsidein.org
October 29th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
i can’t wait to see this! although i do miss the dirty dancing diego luna…
October 29th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I’ll see the movie but I’m not expecting much from Penn and Franco.Unless you are gay and lived those times you really can’t know and feel the reality of it.To fantasies and act is one thing but to be one is another.Penn may be a good actor but you have to be black to know what to be black in America feels.The same is with being gay.I think that people will pan the movie simply because is about Harvey and are afraid to critize it.This is about a real person not a fiction like Brokeback Mountain.Penn bought the rights to the movie but hardly the spirit and soul of Harvey.Those who knew him will always be find any interpretation of him,short and shallow.I knew him.
October 30th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Oscar, I enjoy your comment^. Hope to hear from you, a person who knew Mr. Milk personally, what your opinion is after veiwing the movie yourself.