Customer Reviews

Execution of Justice [VHS]

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The film, produced by and starring Tim Daly, is excellent. Based on the Emily Mann play, this script reveals more about the mercurial Dan White and the factors that drove him to murder fellow San Francisco Supervisor, Harvey Milk, and Mayor Moscone. White's crime was reduced to manslaughter and he served only five years in jail, based on his lawyer's now famous "Twinkie Defense"--that junk food addled his thought process. But as viewers, we are witness to his inability to hold onto a job; his inability to distinguish the gray areas of any issue; his multiple personality quirks and feelings of persecution; his abject inadequacy for a political career; and a marriage bereft of his passion and involvement. White was admittedly one of the most hated men in San Francisco history, but his self hatred rivaled the animosity of the populace. Commentary by the actual people who lived through the event lend a feeling of vera similitude, as does the superb acting of the cast. Each of the individuals who played out this real-life drama are given the opportunity tell their own story.

Emily Mann's play "Execution of Justice" was taken entirely from transcripts of Dan White's trial and events/news clips in its wake. This Showtime production is very different showing instead the lives of Dan White and Harvey Milk leading up to the murders.

Mostly it's pretty accurate and gives a lot of insight to the times and personalities. Peter Coyote's portrayal of Harvey Milk is a little hagiographic. Seeing some of the "warts" would be a bit more deep and humanizing. (Yes, Harvey sometimes sneered at people.)

Khalil Kain's portrayal of Sister Boom Boom as a one-man greek chorus always fluttering around Harvey was especially weird as Harvey was killed before the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Sr. Boom Boom ever appeared. It works as a dramatic device, but for those of us who were there it's just conspicuously wrong in a screenplay that is otherwise generally good on the facts.

A first class movie account of this part of San Francisco's history. Flawless acting by actors who very much resemble the actual people in this true story. Also, a 20 minute trailer of commentary and news-film footage account of this story by the actual political leaders, police, and others whose lives were affected by this happening. VHS picture quality is excellent. When and if it comes out on DVD - I will purchase it. I do own the VHS version. Only problem that will likely occur (if) it comes out on dvd is - it will probably be an abridged version, as happens to so many films, and that fact never mentioned on the cover!