Every semester at UNH, the Honors Program features four film screenings which make up the “Honors Film Series.” The films are chosen by UNH Professor Wes Davis. This semester he has shown The Defiant Ones, Seconds, and Running With Scissors. This past Thursday, this semester’s film series was concluded with a showing of Milk.

Milk tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician elected to public office. The film focused on his rise to fame and the events that led to his assassination. Directed by openly gay director Gus Van Sant, this movie was nominated for eight Oscar Nominations, including Best Picture, Director, and Original Score. The film won two for Sean Penn as Best Lead Actor and Dustin Lance Black for Best Original Screenplay.

The film is beautifully told and supported by how authentic it feels: the acting is superb from everyone, there isn’t a weak link. In addition, Van Sant’s direction mixes almost documentary-style filming with classic style; it feels like a feature film and a news broadcast from the period at the same time.

Sean Penn is perfect as Harvey Milk, portraying this great man as still a flawed, fragile human. The role feels a lot like Daniel Day Lewis’ portrayal of Abraham Lincoln. Josh Brolin is also fantastic, though he is a hateable character. However, though he ends up committing a horrible crime, his character is very ambiguous in his morality and the actions he chooses.

The Honors Film Series is a well put together, enjoyable evening. It’s a chance to get together, watch a movie and enjoy free food. Professor Davis is practically a walking movie database and knows everything there is to know about movies. Students are highly encouraged to attend these events when made available each year.