DVD OF THE WEEK

MILK ****
Dir: Gus Van Sant
Starring: Sean Penn, James Franco, Josh Brolin, Emil Hirsch

It would surprise me if this film is as popular here as it was in the States, since I doubt a huge number of people know the real-life story of Harvey Milk. And, if knowing that he was America's first openly gay public official, assassinated after only a year in office, puts anyone off watching Milk it would be a shame, because Gus Van Sant tells a captivating story with great skill, and because the epic human rights struggle that ensued is one as relevant now as it was in the 1970s.
The story opens with a forty year old Milk moving to San Francisco and slowly becoming involved in community activism, as the influx of gay Americans to the city creates both tension and the chance for many to finally live freely. Christened the unofficial 'Mayor of Castro Street” after joining with the Teamsters in a battle against Coors Beer, Milk stood for City Supervisor (sort of a sub-Mayor), but lost. Realising that the beard and hippy clothes wouldn't cut it he shaved and suited up and finally, after four attempts, was elected.
It was a tumultuous time. This was when the religious right (soon, in the eighties, to coalesce as the oppressive 'moral majority”) were actively attempting to remove laws protecting the civil rights of gay people. When they came to California the battle was on.
Penn is superb, immensely likeable and avoiding his occasional habit of grandstanding. The support cast is equally good, particularly Brolin as the eventual murderer, and Hirsch as an enthusiastic young activist. The period is recreated with astonishing accuracy. But perhaps the biggest triumph is that Van Sant has made such an open, mainstream film. This is not a story aimed at a gay audience particularly but an epic biography of a fascinating and admirable man. Well worthwhile.

The animated film scene seems dominated by sequels (Madagascar 2, Ice Age 3, the Shreks) which all seem increasingly familiar and similar. Igor (***) has a different look and a quirky sense of humour, so naturally disappeared without a trace at the box office. Shame, because this story of the kingdom of Malaria where mad scientists rule and evil is esteemed is a bunch of laughs. Each scientist has an Igor and we focus on John Cusack's Igor, a frustrated inventor forced to be a shuffling servant. Great voices (Eddie Izzard, John Cleese, Steve Buscemi), fine animation and dialogue that will amuse adults as much as kids raise this well above average.

Coming on with sledgehammer subtlety, Gran Torino (****) presents Clint Eastwood as a bitter old man. His wife has just died, his kids are useless, his grandkids obnoxious, and he hates the 'gooks” living next door. But he intervenes when gangs threaten his neighbours and, despite his rude exterior, begins to like them and get involved. The final half hour where the heavies make their return adds tension to what is very much a character drama touching on issues of race, family, aging, masculinity and more. Clint directs with his usual understated efficiency and is in splendid form as the ornery old codger. And he still looks convincing with a gun.

Watchmen completists who enjoyed Zack Snyder's movie take on the graphic novel will probably want to check out Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter (**). It comprises two Watchmen-related stories, the more impressive being the least directly relevant, the well-animated story of a sea captain whose ship is attacked by the titular freighter and who must try and stop the pirates from destroying his hometown. The second is a mock-documentary looking at the Night Owl character which is rather knackered by its low budget and would seem more suitable as a DVD extra when the film is released in July.