Milk Movie Cast, Plot and Everything to Know

Plot

In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into 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. During the last eight years of his life, while living in New York City, he turns 40. Looking for more purpose, he and his lover Scott Smith relocate to San Francisco, where they found a small business, Castro Camera, in the heart of a working-class neighborhood. Then, with support from Scott and from new friends like young activist Cleve Jones, Milk plunges headfirst into the choppy waters of politics. Bolstering his public profile with humor, Milk's actions speak even louder than his gift-of-gab words. When Milk is elected supervisor for the newly zoned District 5, he tries to coordinate his efforts with those of another newly elected supervisor, Dan White. But as White and Milk's political agendas increasingly diverge, their personal destinies tragically converge.

Biography Drama LGBTQIA+

• 
  Sean Penn

  One Battle After Another, Crossing Over

• 
  Emile Hirsch

  Lone Survivor, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

• 
  James Franco

  The Iceman, Oz: The Great and Powerful

• 
  Josh Brolin

  The Running Man, Avengers: Endgame

• 
  Diego Luna

  Kiss of the Spider Woman, MÉXICO 86

Who is making Milk – Crew List

A look at Milk behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film's director Gus Van Sant last helmed Dead Man's Wire and Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot. The film's writer Dustin Lance Black last penned Rustin and Under the Banner of Heaven.

Director

Gus Van Sant

Screenwriter

Dustin Lance Black

Producers

Bruce Cohen
Dan Jinks
Michael London

Production – What we know about the Milk

Copy link to Production – What we know about the Milk

Movie Filming Timeline: Production Status Updates

Dec 2004

Completed

Changed Milk movie production status. The movie is ready for release.

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Additional Information

Q&A: Asked about Milk

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