The Times of Harvey Milk (1984)

As dawn broke on the chilling morning of November 27th, 1978, the city of San Francisco was shaken to its core with the ruthless assassinations of its Mayor 'George Moscone (I)' and charismatic Board of Supervisors Supervisor, Harvey Milk. This tragic event unfolded between 8:45 AM and 9:15 AM, perpetuated by Dan White, a former colleague turned adversary. The catalysts for this chilling act lay in the stark contrast of White's social conservatism and Milk's unabashed openness about his homosexuality, alongside Moscone's unwavering support of Milk. "The Times of Harvey Milk" paints a vivid portrait of Milk's life, capturing his transformation from a social crusader in the bustling Castro District to a pioneering political figure, the first openly gay elected official in the United States. It highlights his charismatic personality that touched the lives of even those who harbored homophobic views before their encounters with him. Milk was not just a champion for gay rights; he was a beacon for human rights, tirelessly advocating for the marginalized. His most significant political battle was his courageous stand against Proposition 6, the Briggs Proposition, a discriminatory law aimed at curbing the rights of openly gay teachers in California. This struggle was a beacon of hope in an era when gay rights were steadily being stripped away across the United States. The film also delves into the complex character of Dan White, exploring the motivations behind the assassinations and the public uproar that followed the verdict in his murder trial. It weaves together extensive news footage and poignant personal recollections, creating a tapestry of a city's reaction to these seismic events. "The Times of Harvey Milk" is not merely a historical recounting of a tragic event; it is an immersive exploration of a revolutionary's life, the struggle for equality, and a city's journey through grief and resilience.

The Times of Harvey Milk is a documentary movie featuring Harvey Milk and directed by Rob Epstein.

The Times of Harvey Milk is currently streaming on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Times of Harvey Milk on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.