DVD doc on famed gay activist

Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay U.S. politicians ever elected, was assassinated in 1978. “The Times of Harvey Milk” explores his political and social feats, all leading up to that final day.

The film reveals that Milk’s quest to become a San Francisco supervisor wasn’t easy; he ran for office multiple times before finally being elected in 1977. It also makes it apparent just how accurate Gus Van Sant’s 2008 film about Milk is. Here, the real Milk is seen in many of the same public settings, equally charismatic and friendly.

It is important to note that the filmmakers chose not to call it “The Life and Times of Harvey Milk.” The film avoids anything but bare outlines of Milk’s personal life before or during his political career. Instead, its focus is on Milk’s accomplishments, where it should be.

The politics of this country are constantly moving toward acceptance of gay people, despite daily hurdles. Harvey Milk was one of the first to start the country moving.