Milk at the Castro Theatre

**** I caught the preview showing of Gus Van Sant's Milk last night, as it seemed only fitting to watch this important biopic of the self proclaimed "Mayor of Castro Street", at the iconic Castro Theatre. The 7pm showing was sold out, but there were plenty of 10pm tickets left. Steven, Clem and I thought we weren't going to be able to sit together after seeing the line at 9:30 snake around to the parking lot behind the theatre, but the theatre is HUGE. The last movie that I saw there was Almodovar's "Law of Desire" when the projector broke....probably why I haven't been back recently. But I was reminded of what a great fim watching experience the Castro can be, with it's grand organ player, responsive audience and lush setting.

The movie was very well reviewed, but my expectations were tempered by the director Van Sant, who can be hit-or-miss for me. I really liked Drugstore Cowboy but I couldn't get into his last film "Paranoid Park" , though it has quite a following. Overall, I am pleased with the film, delivering a cogent and timely account of Harvey Milk's rise and tragic murder. Sean Penn should get an Oscar nomination for his honest portrayal, especially appealing to the Academy's fascination with actors portraying real people. And bonus points if they are gay and murdered. I also liked James Franco, Emile Hirsch and Josh Brolin in their supporting roles. Brolin had a really good year (best thing in "W" by far), though I suspect he will take on more likable characters next year?

My main reservation was that I wish there was more of an emotional punch to the film. Just the early film reel of Diane Feinstein giving her famous announcement about the murders brought a lump to my throat. The ending candlelight vigil should have brought the house to tears and sobs (as it definitely did in the superior documentary "Times of Harvey Milk"), but it seemed rather tacked on and detached. It's no Brokeback, but it couldn't be more timely after the painful loss of Prop 8. And, as Harvey alway said, you gotta have hope.