Milk (2008)

Based On the Life of: Harvey Milk

Starring: Sean Penn

Movie Budget: $20 million*

Star Salary: $1 million*

Milk is based on the life and times of politician Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay politicians in American history. Milk, who held office in the 1970’s, is played by veteran actor Sean Penn, who says he was inspired to become a politician and activist after experiencing the sixties’ and seventies’ counterculture movement.

With seasoned director Gus Van Sant at the helm of the project, it’s no surprise that the film was able to earn over $54 million at the box office, despite the edgy themes. Some believe the film was partially responsible for bringing awareness to gay rights issues such as gay marriage, which wasn’t fully legalized until 2015.