Considering his roles from "Into the Wild" to "Alpha Dog," it's clear that Emile Hirsch has a knack for portraying real people, and he continues his success as Cleve Jones in Gus Van Sant's new Harvey Milk biopic "Milk."
Hirsch, who was in town to promote the film and the real life inspiration for his character in the story, Jones, led a question and answer session this past Thursday.
"Milk" chronicles the life and rise to power of San Francisco GLBT rights activist and San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. In November 1978, Dan White, an ex-city supervisor assassinated Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone. White defended himself using the notorious "Twinkie Defense," asserting that the sugary foods he ate prior to the assassinations drove him temporarily mad.
In the film, Hirsch co-stars as Jones, a vivacious gay man whom Milk recruits for the GLBT rights cause. Jones turns his disdain for heteronormative America into feverous activism, becoming Milk's protégé.
"I discovered the role of Cleve Jones and the film when I was weightlifting with Sean Penn's trainer," Hirsch said. "I've always wanted to work with Gus."
The film remained in the making for 18 years, with many cast changes delaying production, until Dustin Lance Black, a writer for HBO's drama "Big Love," created the script.
"I've been badgering Gus to make the film since I met him 18 years ago," Jones said. "I knew this needed to be a film the day after Harvey's murder."
During production, Jones became the film's historical supervisor.
"The film is grounded in reality, apart from the fact that I never actually blew Dick Pabich at that party," he said. "The performances here are very true and whenever we were unsure of how to depict the story, we went with the truth - how it really was."
Prior to "Milk," Hirsch starred as Chris McCandless in "Into the Wild," a film Penn directed and wrote.
"I was kind of intimidated to act alongside Sean," he said. "It's like being asked to play a game of basketball with your coach. Playing real life characters is a challenge, but I've been fortunate to play such interesting people. I actually don't actively seek roles - there's no master graph acting formula for me. Each role has presented different challenges, but this time I was spoiled because I had Cleve on set ready to help."
After the film discussion, the question and answer session took an expected turn towards the election.
"I'm a cynical old queen, but I'm truly excited by this campaign," Jones said. "I've never been so excited and terrified for my country at the same time. Obama's speech tactics really remind me of Harvey's. Like Harvey, Obama recognizes that you must speak across boundaries."
A woman in the audience questioned the GLBT movement today, inferring the Millennial generation was complacent in relation to political activism.
"I don't think you're complacent," Jones said. "I feel like you're all very overwhelmed ... because of how technology has left your generation ironically disconnected. You have to figure this stuff out for yourselves because my generation can't keep telling you guys what to do. I want you all to be angry - angry right now. But know that it takes time. Be impatient, but don't let it drive you crazy."
"Milk" isn't only a gay rights film, but also a film about the rights all people warrant, despite sexual orientation, race or religion. The film, which opens in limited release Nov. 26 and wide release on Dec. 5, might be the most important one of the year.
You can reach this staff writer at dsheldon@theeagleonline.com.
