...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...
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