While most documentary films embrace a view that examines a person more or less from a biographical point of view, Robert Epstein and Richard Schiechen's documentary about the first openly gay elected official in the United States takes a somewhat different approach.  The subject of the film, Harvey Milk, was elected to the San Francisco board of city supervisors in 1977, and proceeded to champion for the rights not only of homosexuals, but of underprivileged people in general, gaining popularity by appealing to minorities and working class folks.  The story of Milk is one that demonstrates the power of the U.S. election system, one that serves the interest of the public when utilized to its fullest, and ultimately proves that anything is possible through perseverance and determination.

Milk's story is truly fascinating.  This openly gay man from New York state moved to San Francisco in the 1960s, becoming a figure in the counterculture and peace movements before expressing an interest in public office.  While the majority of the public did not agree with some of his more outspoken views on the rights of gays and lesbians, Milk succeeded in winning over large portions of the public through his crusades for better representation in local government, interest in the livelihoods of average people, and dedication toward causes that he believed were in the best interest of all. 

In examining the legacy left behind by this pioneer of civil rights, Epstein and Schiechen's film essentially abandons the usual approach and instead focuses on exactly what the title says.  The film is a study of the time in which Milk lived, and the duration of his tenure as an elected official.  In doing so, the film is a compelling examination of what it was to be living in San Francisco of the late 1970s, a time when gay activists in the city were campaigning for rights equal to those of others. 

If there's one problem that this film has, it's that it definitely is swayed towards the homosexual audience.  The film stresses Milk's role as a gay rights crusader, which certainly was part of his appeal and a primary reason he was elected, but equally certainly not the entire ingredient explaining his success as an elected official.  That this film is geared more towards gay audiences will definitely dissuade some viewers, but ultimately, I believe the fascinating story this film documents makes up for any qualms a viewer may have if one approaches the film with an open mind.

Milk's biography is really skimmed over, and occupies precious little screen time.  For a viewer interested in the man rather than the time in which he lived, I would suggest reading biographical information rather than rely solely on this film.  The Times of Harvey Milk does briefly discuss Milk's early life and his introduction into the political world, but it really focuses on other aspects of the man and his story, dealing mostly with Milk's role as a city supervisor and the way in which he affected the time and place that he served in.  While this element of the film is fascinating and still resonant today with the ongoing discussion of gay rights, the biographical element is more or less ignored along the way.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Harvey Milk's life was its tragic end.  In 1978, Milk and the Mayor of San Francisco, George Moscone, were brutally assassinated by a former city supervisor, Dan White.  White had previously resigned and subsequently had attempted to rescind his resignation.  When it became clear that he would not be reappointed, White shot and killed Milk and Moscone, whom he believed were instrumental in the decision.  The film spends a good deal of time examining the crime, the trial that followed, and the public reaction to the rather light verdict. 

The murder case presented in the film seems to have been lifted straight from a novel; it's so outlandish that one can't help but be mesmerized by the bizarre true circumstances surrounding Milk's assassination.  While the entirety of this film is interesting and does a fine job relaying its story, it is the situation surrounding Milk's death that really hooks its audience and makes the film resonate with the viewer even more.

For their part, Epstein and Schiechen do a fantastic job of assembling footage for use in The Times of Harvey Milk.  The extensive archival footage is splendidly edited and utilized, really driving the film along.  Complementing the footage is a series of heartfelt interviews with Milk's friends, associates, and acquaintances that really hammer home just how much this guy meant to the people he represented while in office.  The interviews assembled here are pretty remarkable; very candid and telling, these eyewitness accounts end up providing a much more complete view of Milk's legacy than the usual disjointed talking heads would be able to. 

The powerful story and visuals of this film are accompanied onscreen by an equally moving soundtrack by Mark Isham that seems to strike just the right emotional response.  The score is never overpowering or melodramatic, but seems to accentuate the tragic nature of the story while also capturing the sense of accomplishment at Milk's achievements in the face of adversity.

The film is narrated by the one and only Harvey Fierstein, whose gravelly voice fills in the few gaps between the footage assembled for the film.  Really, the narration is almost unnecessary, but does provide some explanation at times.

Upon the film's release in 1984, The Times of Harvey Milk was the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Academy Award for best documentary feature.  I found it pretty interesting to see an older recipient of this award, as they sometimes seem somewhat difficult to locate on home video.  This film was transferred from video for its release, so at times the print looks somewhat grainy, but is still very watchable.

The Times of Harvey Milk is not rated.  Aside from the obvious subject matter that may not be appropriate for all viewers, there's some very brief language. For the most part, this documentary would be acceptable to most audiences.

The two-disc DVD of this film from New Yorker Home Video is the packed with nice extras.  As a compliment to the film, the disc includes a commentary track with director Rob Epstein, editor Deborah Hoffman, and production assistant Daniel Nicoletta.  The second disc contains a variety of bonus features.  Footage from the film's premiere at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco is included, as well as the footage of the Oscar acceptance speech.  Audio outtakes featuring Milk himself talking about various issues are compiled. Several featurettes on Milk's assassin, Dan White, discuss the case in hindsight and provide information on the assailant following his release from prison.  The disc also includes a discussion with the director, and speeches from Mayor Diane Feistein, Harvey Milk's nephew, Milk's appointed successor, and the son of George Moscone.  All in all, a comprehensive amount of material to supplement the film.

Truly, this work is pretty remarkable; a scenario that is mesmerizing in its details relayed perfectly onscreen.  Taking a somewhat different approach, the film provides a nice context for the story it tells, and ends up as an effective time capsule back to 1970s San Francisco.  Although the film takes a definite slant, and may not be everyone's cup of tea, but The Times of Harvey Milk is undeniably captivating.  I think most people would benefit from watching this film and would whole-heartedly recommend it.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: None of the Above
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older