You won’t find that out from the film critics fawning over “Milk,” the new biopic starring Oscar winner Sean Penn.
Many reviewers have noted the similarities between Milk’s political campaign slogans (think hope, think change) and that of the future White House occupant.
But the same critics can’t bear to critique, or even mention, Obama for his stance on gay marriage.
Think they’d be as silent on the matter if Sen. John McCain had emerged victorious last month?
This has nothing to do with the film itself – which frankly I’m eager to see (UPDATE: The WWTW review). It’s just a preview of the intellectually dishonest times to come from both the media and film critics alike.
Most critics include the recent battle involving Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage in California, in their “Milk” reviews. But none I read dared to mention Obama’s opposition to it.
on 
on 
Critics’ creative ignorance on ‘Milk’
December 1, 2008
Did you know that President-elect Barack Obama doesn’t support gay marriage?
You won’t find that out from the film critics fawning over “Milk,” the new biopic starring Oscar winner Sean Penn.
Many reviewers have noted the similarities between Milk’s political campaign slogans (think hope, think change) and that of the future White House occupant.
But the same critics can’t bear to critique, or even mention, Obama for his stance on gay marriage.
Think they’d be as silent on the matter if Sen. John McCain had emerged victorious last month?
This has nothing to do with the film itself – which frankly I’m eager to see (UPDATE: The WWTW review). It’s just a preview of the intellectually dishonest times to come from both the media and film critics alike.
Most critics include the recent battle involving Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage in California, in their “Milk” reviews. But none I read dared to mention Obama’s opposition to it.
Dana Stevens of Slate didn’t bring it up. Nor did the LA Times’ Kenneth Turan. Same goes for USA Today’s Claudia Puig.
The Village Voice goes so far as to provide cover for Obama in its “Milk” review:
“Strategic non-support?” Sounds cowardly to me. Isn’t Obama’s election all about breaking down cultural boundaries and bigotry?
Said reviews also ignore Obama’s decision to delay the repeal of the military “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
If anyone finds a review that dares to point a hectoring finger at Obama for his stance on same sex marriage, please let me know.
(Photo: Sean Penn plays the late politician Harvey Milk in “Milk,” the new biopic from Gus Van Sant. Photo credit/Phil Bray.)
Related posts: