In its conviction that `` change '' is n't effected through rhetoric alone , but through the hard slog of campaign work , persuasion , inspiration , inclusion and good old , bad old politicking , `` Milk '' says something about how progress is achieved in America . ` ` Milk '' is a biography of openly gay San Francisco City Mayor Harvey Milk . Film works both as a subtle documentary , and as well - made drama . Sean Penn gives excellent performance as Milk .
` ` Milk '' is a biography of openly gay San Francisco City Mayor Harvey Milk . Film works both as a subtle documentary , and as well - made drama . Sean Penn gives excellent performance as Milk .