Oscar Watch 1.0

This is quite a busy time: besides the constant Super Bowl frenzy, I am frantically movie-watching to prep for Oscar night. In fact, I've had a few clamors for more information on my personal cinematic habits and so, I officially put it out there in the form of a proposed series of blogs. And off we go!

I'll start with "Milk." Best picture nominee, this Gus Van Sant gem is a biopic of slain gay-rights activist and politico Harvey Milk. Any discussion of this film must start with Sean Penn's nominated performance, a study in losing oneself in a character. Sean Penn is no stranger to gut-wrenching, moving roles - and he already has one coveted gold man on his mantle for "Mystic River."

His Harvey Milk is a strong, sympathetic man who really, at baseline, wants to make a mark on this world before he goes. This theme is what struck me the most, since it is pervasive in any one of our lives. Prior to seeing the movie, I heard a critic marvel at the quiet moments in Sean Penn's performance and point to that as the crux of the acting.

He got that right. There is a scene near the end with Sean Penn and Victor Garbor, who plays mayor George Moscone, the other casualty of Dan White's rampage. Unbeknownst to either of them, their respective fates are sealed. After their conversation, Harvey makes a move out the door. Sean Penn, in that one moment, captures the heart behind Harvey Milk's unbelievable journey. It is that gesture, the look in his eyes that sticks with you afterwards.

The entire movie is masterfully comprised of seamless archival footage blended with the actual film. Shots of Sean Penn and Emile Hirsch in their roles layer over actual 1970's activists in the streets, actual news footage of election night. It creates an experience unlike many others.

Gus Van Sant is not a surprise at the helm of such a rich picture. "Good Will Hunting" remains one of my all-time favorite movies for more reasons than just the emergence of Matt and Ben. "Milk" ranks as a touching, important piece and should be enjoyed as well as admired for both its artistic qualities and its resounding message: peace, equality, acceptance.

"Milk" is a wonderful experience. It can't be ignored that Sean Penn is the star. But, praise for the other players is deserved. Josh Brolin, nominated in his supporting role, embodies the paranoia and desperation of Dan White in all its uncomfortable truth. Emile Hirsch, Diego Luna, and Allison Pill as Harvey's companions - some personal, some professional - are underrated, yet lovely.

And Jared Leto, as Harvey's true love Scott, is a revelation to me. I have admired Jared Leto for some time, as I think he could easily fall into the "pretty boy" stereotype and get rich from "Spider Man" and the like. But he takes chances, especially in this film. He is brilliant, and he could have easily scored himself an Oscar nod had this year's Supporting Actor race not been so crowded. I look forward to more from him and feel his work here is integral to the dramatic arc of this story. Well done.

"Milk" has honestly earned its spot among the Best Picture nominations this year and its actors rose to a fine occasion. It is a must-see, particularly to point out that the more things in this wacky world change, the more they stay the same.