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Milk

RICK GROEN

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 10:48 AM EDT 20/02/09

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  1. Marty York from Canada writes: Given that 1 to 3 percent of the population is gay, just how much of a target audience and revenue are they expecting?
  2. George S from Toronto, Canada writes: I am definitely going to see this film. Always been a big fan of most of Gus Van Sant's films. He directed Matt Dillon in "Drugstore Cowboy" and River Phoenix in "My Own Private Idaho"- two really great films. As for the first comment- What Decade do you live in?
  3. M.L. McLernon from Ottawa, Canada writes: 1 to 3 percent, you say? How about at least 10 percent?

    Besides, one doesn't need to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans to watch a film that chronicles such significant times. Human rights are human rights.
  4. Western Girl from Cowtown, Canada writes:
    Marty York: I'll expand on George's comment - what century do you live in?? My understanding is that the gay/lesbian population hovers around 10% (widely quoted stat, not sure how accurate), and in any case it's irrelevant here. I'm straight, and I'd go see it. Why? Because it's the classic story of someone who stands up for something he believes in and is killed for it, and apparently the story is told well here. It's a human drama, not a "gay" one. I suspect it'll draw a thoughtful audience, which apparently wouldn't include you, so don't worry about it.
  5. paul childs from camelot, writes: "...just how much of a target audience and revenue are they expecting?"

    Sometimes, Marty, people go to movies to see stories and the experiences of someone other than themselves. How many times have you seen the actual Batman at a 'Batman' movie? Who saw 'Away From Her'? Just older women with dementia and their husbands? Sheesh.
  6. Jeff Pritchard from Canada writes: I'm sure Marty York would respond to these comments if he were not at this moment hiding in his basement with a shotgun and a vial of holy water.

    Undoubtedly he has learned of the financial success the vampire drama "Twilight" has been reaping and now fears for his life's blood in a world populated by hundreds of thousands (perhaps millions!) of teenaged, movie-going vampires.
  7. Perry Nerantzis from dc suburbs, United States writes: it would be a nice day when movies and any other aspect of life is about "people" rather than about their "identified sub category".
  8. it's a fact from Canada writes: paul childs from camelot, writes: "...just how much of a target audience and revenue are they expecting?"

    Sometimes, Marty, people go to movies to see stories and the experiences of someone other than themselves. How many times have you seen the actual Batman at a 'Batman' movie? Who saw 'Away From Her'? Just older women with dementia and their husbands? Sheesh.

    hilarious post! I can't wait to see this movie.
  9. Western Girl from Cowtown, Canada writes:

    Jeff: LOL!! And he probably just got over "Star Wars"!!
  10. paul childs from camelot, writes: " it would be a nice day when movies and any other aspect of life is about "people""

    Ooooh, good one Perry. Gay people aren't 'people' so their stories are marginal. Neither are cartoon characters of course but no one seems to mind movies about them and their 'sub-category' of the reality challenged. And of course Batman, Spiderman, Superman, Iron Man, Luke Skywalker, Hellboy, and the Fantastic Four all being people makes their stories are endlessly fascinating.
  11. richard frizell from Canada writes: I saw an advanced screening of the movie last night. Having spent a lot of time in San Francisco in the '70's, the movie had great resonance for me. Sean Penn was simply stunning ! and the rest of the cast was great! Kudos to Van Sant.
  12. Carmen Anderson from Canada writes: Paul, I think you missed the point a bit. I think Perry was criticizing how quickly this film was labeled as a gay story when it is in fact about humanity. He was lamenting the fact that we are lumped into sub-categories instead of all being considered people
  13. Sue City from Canada writes: What a great peformance by Sean Penn.

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