"The use of Harvey's recorded will to frame the story was a very early creative decision. By quickly establishing this intimacy, I hoped to shape a story that, despite mountains of political talk and plot, feels more like the personal story of the man than a political issue film" --Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, from the Scene Notes

His life changed history. His courage changed lives. In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to theSan Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into major public office in America. His victory was not just a victory for gay rights; he forged coalitions across the political spectrum. From senior citizens to union workers, Harvey Milk changed the very nature of what it means to be a fighter for human rights and became, before his untimely death in 1978, a hero for all Americans.

Academy Award winner Sean Penn stars as Harvey Milk, with Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones, Josh Brolin as Dan White, Diego Luna as Jack Lira, and James Franco as Scott Smith, under the direction of Academy Award nominee Gus Van Sant, filmed on location in San Francisco, from an original screenplay by Dustin Lance Black.

Introduction by Gus Van Sant

The Shooting Script

Stills

Scene Notes

A Conversation with Gus Van Sant,Dustin Lance Black, and Cleve Jones

Cast and Crew Credits

About the Filmmakers