The Times of Harvey Milk

Name: The Times of Harvey Milk
Genre: Documentary
Released: 1984
Duration: 90 min
Rating: 3.5

Rob Epstein19841h 30mDocumentary

Why we chose it

The documentary won the Oscar and a jury prize at Sundance, and years later Gus Van Sant turned the same story into a feature with Sean Penn. Days after winning his election, Harvey Milk recorded a tape to be played only if he were murdered. A year later, it was played.

Synopsis

In early-1970s San Francisco, Harvey Milk opens a camera shop on Castro Street, runs for city supervisor and loses. He tries again and loses again, and only wins at the fourth attempt, becoming the first openly gay politician elected to office in California. Less than a year later he is shot dead at City Hall, and the gunman goes on trial.