The Times of Harvey Milk

The Times of Harvey Milk, directed by Robert Epstein, offers an absorbing and poignant insight into the life and political career of Harvey Milk. The 1984 documentary combines interviews, archival footage, and firsthand accounts to paint an authentic portrayal of the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California.

Harvey Milk's story begins with him as the owner of a small photography store on Castro Street in San Francisco, a hub for the burgeoning gay community. Frustrated with the prevailing homophobic environment of the time, Milk ventures into the political arena to champion not only for gay rights but also other social causes. The documentary portrays Milk as not just a hero for the LGBTQ+ community but a defender of the disenfranchised--an activist who extended his political ambitions to helps seniors, racial minorities, and other marginalized groups.

Renowned actor Harvey Fierstein provides the narration, lending a gravitas to the documentary, guiding viewers through the highs and lows of Milk's life. From his unsuccessful runs for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to his eventual election and the impact he made during his 11-month tenure, Fierstein's narration is both passionate and empathetic, emphasizing Milk's charismatic personality, political savvy, and indomitable spirit.

One of the shining points the film elaborates on is Milk's innate talent as a communicator—how he could mobilize people, awaking the political consciousness of the LGBTQ+ community and forging alliances to foster an inclusive atmosphere in the city. His keen understanding of human nature, combined with his eloquent public speeches, turned him into one of the most compelling political figures of the 20th century.

The director, Epstein, does brilliant work in synthesizing interviews and archival footage into a coherent narrative. Interviews with Milk's colleagues, such as his campaign manager Anne Kronenberg, and his friends provide a personal perspective on Harvey Milk the man, the politician, the community leader. The archival clips capture the zeitgeist of the period, the spirit of the man, and the social change he was part of. These extracts not only bring the narrative to life but also show the impact Milk had on the people around him, as well as the repercussions of his death.

Another powerful aspect of the film is the way it encapsulates the political and social climate of San Francisco – and the wider United States - during the period of Harvey’s rise. The documentary portrays the prejudice and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the striking contrast between opponents and supporters of gay rights. It keenly demonstrates the emotional and social upheaval during the public debates over a state proposition aimed at banning gay and lesbian teachers from working in California’s public schools.

The Times of Harvey Milk doesn't flinch from addressing the controversy and tragedy associated with his career, placing particular emphasis on his professional relationships with other city officials, including the complex and fraught relationship with his fellow supervisor, Dan White. This aspect of the film provides a deeper understanding of the volatile political atmosphere that surrounded Milk’s short-lived career.

In addition to its portrayal of Milk's political life, the documentary gives viewers a glimpse of Milk's personal life, showing him as a multifaceted individual, full of warmth, spirit, and conviction. Viewers are shown a man full of joy and optimism, who believed in the power of inclusivity and acceptance.

The Times of Harvey Milk is a compelling and evocative documentary that embraces the complexities of its subject. It is a moving tribute to a man who left a profound and lasting legacy in American politics and society. The film not only documents the world that Harvey Milk emanated from, but tells a story that still resonates today – a story about human rights, acceptance, and the power one individual has to alter the course of society. Through an intimate portrayal of Harvey Milk's life, the film also expresses the enduring human capacity for hope and change.