The Times of Harvey Milk was a documentary directed by Rob Epstein, and narrated by Harvey Fierstein. In this documentary, Epstein seems to be trying to convey quite a subjective message. Although much of the information given in the documentary could be considered objective, the spin that Epstein put on it, along with his choice of sources is definitely subjective. Throughout the film, Epstein used the actor's voices for narration at points where interviews were being done. At other times, when no one in particular was speaking, Harvey Fierstein narrated. One point in the film that the narration really stuck out to me was when Senator Diane Feinstein announced the death of Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone. I feel like I can still hear her words ringing in my head. It seemed that there was no other noise at that point other than her words. Here is also another point where Epstein tries to convey sympathy for Harvey Milk. This scene is part of the opening scene, and is later replayed. I think that this was done to provoke emotion in the audience, which was successful.
Epstein created this film with a simple collection of archival footage, along with some eye witness interviewees and experts. I believe that Epstein's usage of the archival footage was well done and helped his ideas to seem objective. The eye witness interviewees, though, could be interpreted as objective and subjective. Many of the interviewees made the point that when they first came into contact with Harvey Milk that they thought he was very eccentric, but then all later went on to say what a great man he was. I feel that this was a smart move by Epstein to convey his message along with emotion. I also feel that his including of expert accounts was an attempt to add to the objectivity of the film. I think that Epstein didn't want to scare viewers off by shoving his opinion down their throats, so he did it in a much more subtle way. I feel that he did a good job of balancing objective and subjective, so that not to completely cast out a certain audience.
Epstein created this film with a simple collection of archival footage, along with some eye witness interviewees and experts. I believe that Epstein's usage of the archival footage was well done and helped his ideas to seem objective. The eye witness interviewees, though, could be interpreted as objective and subjective. Many of the interviewees made the point that when they first came into contact with Harvey Milk that they thought he was very eccentric, but then all later went on to say what a great man he was. I feel that this was a smart move by Epstein to convey his message along with emotion. I also feel that his including of expert accounts was an attempt to add to the objectivity of the film. I think that Epstein didn't want to scare viewers off by shoving his opinion down their throats, so he did it in a much more subtle way. I feel that he did a good job of balancing objective and subjective, so that not to completely cast out a certain audience.
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