Plot
Using flashbacks from a statement recorded late in life and archival footage for atmosphere, this film traces Harvey Milk's career from his 40th birthday to his death. He leaves the closet and New York, opens a camera shop that becomes the salon for San Francisco's growing gay community, and organizes gays' purchasing power to build political alliances. He runs for office with lover Scott Smith as his campaign manager. Victory finally comes on the same day Dan White wins in the city's conservative district. The rest of the film sketches Milk's relationship with White and the 1978 fight against a statewide initiative to bar gays and their supporters from public school jobs.
Written by
Dustin Lance Black
Directed by
Gus Van Sant
Crew
Production Countries
United States of America
Production Companies
Jinks/Cohen Company, Groundswell Productions
Languages
English
Awards
Won 2 Oscars. 66 wins & 145 nominations total