Product Description

This official illustrated companion book features oral histories, archival photographs, behind-the-scenes stills, and the story of the new Focus Features film directed by Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, My Own Private Idaho), starring Academy Award(r) winner Sean Penn (Mystic River, Dead Man Walking) as gay-rights icon Harvey Milk.

His life changed history. His courage changed lives. In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San 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.

Part I, "The History," covering Milk's life in New York pre-1973 through his death in San Francisco in 1978, features: * a brief history of Harvey Milk * 90 historical photos * and recollections from Milk's many activist friends in his Castro Street neighborhood, campaigns and eventual victory, Prop 6 protests, the Gay Freedom Day Parade, and Harvey Milk's enduring legacy.

Part II, "The Movie," details the making of the film, and includes: * commentary by screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, who was on the set every day * movie stills, side-by-side with the historical photos they re-create * and behind-the-scene shots of the real historical characters who consulted on or appeared in the film.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #207846 in Books
• Published on: 2009-01-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781557048288
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"A total triumph! Brimming with humor, heart, sexual heat, political provocation, and a crying need to stir things up. If there's a better movie around this year, with more bristling purpose, I sure haven't seen it. An American classic." -Peter Travers, Rolling Stone --Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

About the Author
Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black worked on the acclaimed television series Big Love as a writer and producer for three seasons.

Director Gus Van Sant is well known for such movies as Drugstore Cowboy, My Own Private Idaho, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, To Die For, Good Will Hunting (for which he received an Academy Award(r) nomination), and Finding Forrester.

Customer Reviews

Please read this book.....
There is so much to learn from this book about the man Harvey Milk. Not only does this tell Harves story, there are things in the Introduction, (by Dustin Lance Black), that EVERYONE should read, both Gay and Straight. Words that brought tears to by eyes about how we treat each other and a lessons that hopefully will bring a greater understanding about anyone different than yourself. I loved this book.

Get Milk
Maupin, Armistead (Foreword) and Black, Dustin Lance. "Milk: A Pictorial History of Harvey Milk", Haymarket Press, 2009.

Get Milk

Amos Lassen

Thanks to Gus Van Sant's wonderful film about Harvey Milk, we are all getting a chance to honor a man who is responsible for us having some of the freedom that we have today Now we have a companion book to go along with the film and it is full of oral histories, photographs from behind the scenes of the film, the story of the film and archival photographs. The film reminds is of what great influence Milk had and how much his courage changed our lives. Milk's victory in being elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and becoming the first openly gay male to be elected to a major political office opened the door for other gays to follow. But Milk did not just win a victory for gay rights but he helped to build coalitions all across the political spectrum. He was a fighter for human rights and an inspiration to all of us.
The book is divided into two sections: "The History" and "The Movie". "The History" looks at Milk the man and the period (1973-1978) on which he came to power. Here there are memories from his friends that are still alive, wonderful photographs of the Castro where he lived and words about what he left behind. In "The Movie" we get all of the details about the making of the film with a commentary by screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, stills from the film which are placed side by side with photos of the events that they recreate and a look at those who brought historical credence to the film.
It's a wonderful addition to your library and a great companion to a great film.

Excellent background material!
Beautifully done. Wonderful text and photos looking into Milk's life and the making of the movie. Great section of the real persons paired with the actors. Wonderful book! Proud and thrilled to own it. Delighted!