

Martyred San Francisco gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk brings out Danny Elfman's serious side in Gus Van Sant's 2008 biopic. "Gay Rights Now!" and "Politics Is Theater" reflect competing voices with quick-change melodies and a minimalist influence. The theme music and "Harvey's Last Day" are serene yet a bit ominous; Milk is dignified, but not deified. Sassy tracks by David Bowie and Sylvester mark the inexorable gay permeation of pop culture.