The Times of Harvey Milk (1984)

Too much of everything

best movie i've ever seen.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

The title of this excellent documentary is well chosen, since it is as much about a time and a place as it is about Harvey Milk. The time is the late 1970s and the place is San Francisco. After quickly covering some biographic details the movie concentrates on Milk's campaign to get elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. After three unsuccessful attempts he wins, becoming the first openly gay man to be so elected. As much of a breakthrough as that was, it must be kept in mind that Milk was elected representing a heavily gay district. Things have changed a lot in thirty years, since some U.S. congressmen are now openly gay. But the issue of acceptance of homosexuality is still contentious, as proved by the passage in 2008 of Proposition 8 that changed the California Constitution to ban gay marriage. This documentary is relevant since it shows where things started to change.A good part of the film is devoted to consideration of California's Proposition 6 that was put before the public in 1978. Proposition 6 would have banned gays and lesbians from working in public schools. Of course Milk was heavily involved in opposition to the Proposition and it was a peak moment for him and the gay community when the proposition failed. The filming of the celebration of this in the gay community is a high point of the film.It was only shortly after the defeat of Proposition 6 that Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by Dan White, a fellow supervisor who had recently resigned, but was seeking reinstatement. The spontaneous candlelight vigil on the evening of the assassination that comprised some 40,000 people marching from the Castro neighborhood to City Hall was captured on film from the roof of a nearby building and is an exceedingly moving emotional highlight of the film.This film is clearly tilted to present Milk in a favorable light and indeed that is not difficult, since Milk's charisma comes across strongly. However, it is mentioned that Milk was subject to fits of anger and could be difficult to work with. Also, Dan White's anguished testimony at his trial is played and he seemed genuine in his expression of regret, but hardly enough to exonerate him in the minds of most people. When White got what was considered a light seven year sentence, the ugly rioting and vandalism that resulted were not whitewashed. White was released from prison after serving five and a half years and committed suicide less than two years later. So, in the end he paid the price for his crimes.The interviews with some of Milk's associates almost ten years after his assassination are very effective. They are all articulate and insightful about themselves and the history of the times of Harvey Milk. The use of documentary footage from the time is effective and either a gay or a straight can appreciate this documentary as history.

In my opinion,Harvey Milk is a courage man and he express himself truly.We should respect and support homosexuality,and should not give them pressure any more.However,homosexuality just like us,they have their rights to get along with their lovers and we should encourage them.They used to stay in a closet and people used to afraid of recognize they are homosexuality.Many people even use a no-tell policy to them.Hence,we can't have a stereotype or a strange point of view to them.Therefore,those persons who devoted to support homosexuality and fight for them are the persons we should respect.Their spirits are more resolute and more courage than many heterosexuality.We should learn their spirits and the fearless power which fight for their rights and lovers.We can not to negate one person because of his/her sexual orientation and we should respect a person due to his/her achievements and spirits.

There was a time when it was impossible for people — straight or gay — even to imagine Harvey Milk. The funny thing about Milk is that he didn't seem to care that he lived in such a time. I think Milk is really courageous to face himself and he even doesn't mind how others look upon him. Besides, he puts into practice what he wants to do and he indeed achieves his dream. Although he was killed in the end, it probably awakened as many gay people as his election had. Realizing one is a gay is usually causes for terror, or at least mortification, but Milk felt too great a sense of entitlement to let either emotion prevail. It is no doubt that Milk is such a legendary person in the world.

Harvey Milk was the first person who represented gay people in the states at the time. He proved that a gay guy could also do something big. He helped thousands and thousands of people who were afraid to come out from the closet(about 15 years ago, there was no place for gay people to hang out). He was also a great supervisor cause he leaded the people who really believed him to achieve their purposes and also fight for their rights. I was kinda astonished at the news of the murder. We know Harvey Milk died but his achievements would never fade away.BTW!the movie was kinda too long. we spent like 2 hours to finish it.