Institute History
Description
The Times of Harvey Milk is a film about American values in conflict. Set in San Francisco in the 1970’s, it tells of the extraordinary rise to power of Harvey Milk, a long-haired gay camera store owner from the Castro District who became one of the city;s most colorful and influential elected officials as well as one of the decade;s most prominent leaders of the lesbian and gay rights movements—that is, until his murder. As political renegades go, Harvey Milk never had the time to become a household name. The film opens in flashback to the devastating television news account that both San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk had been shot and killed in their City Hall offices. the assassin was Dan White, fellow Supervisor and former police officer. Harvey Milk’s journey to that fateful day is recounted brilliantly through the course of the film.
The Times of Harvey Milk is a riveting, volatile, dynamic and impassioned documentary, Its stranger-than-fiction story is immensely moving, combining real emotional urgency with a compelling grasp of filmmaking craft. A moving affirmation and revelation of how one man can make a difference, it is a quintessential documentary work, highlighting a courageous and charismatic individual and exposing and incredible miscarriage of justice.