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8

ydnar4Jan 5, 2016

Trumbo was one of the 2015 films that I was looking forward to the most. Bryan Cranston has just come off of Breaking Bad and although he'd had some roles in films like Godzilla and Argo he still hadn't proven himself in the lead of a film.Trumbo was one of the 2015 films that I was looking forward to the most. Bryan Cranston has just come off of Breaking Bad and although he'd had some roles in films like Godzilla and Argo he still hadn't proven himself in the lead of a film. Notice I'm speaking in past tense. Cranston is outstanding as screenwriter Dalton Trumbo a man who's story is both interesting and inspiring. He captured the true quirkiness of the man. Cranston is certainly in the running for a Oscar nomination. Jay Roach also delivers in a project that you would not really expect from the man who directed Austin Powers. The cinematography is great, the movie really had an old-time feel and its just really nice to get a look into the classic era of Hollywood when screenwriters were true geniuses. The problem that I did have with Trumbo was there was not another excellent performance that made it great. John Goodman and Hellen Mirren were both great in the film but they just didn't get enough screen time. Trumbo is a great look back for an old film buff and an even better watch if you want to see a great performance.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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8

Brent_MarchantNov 20, 2015

An entertaining, informative biopic about an exceptionally talented screenwriter blacklisted during the Red Scare of the 1950s. The film features a dynamite, award-worthy lead performance by Bryan Cranston, as well as terrific supportingAn entertaining, informative biopic about an exceptionally talented screenwriter blacklisted during the Red Scare of the 1950s. The film features a dynamite, award-worthy lead performance by Bryan Cranston, as well as terrific supporting portrayals by John Goodman, Helen Mirren, Michael Stuhlbarg and a host of other players depicting legendary Hollywood icons. Ironically, though, the film's script leaves something to be desired at times (especially in the first hour), but its many other fine attributes help to cover this shortcoming well. A sumptuous cinematic feast with an important reminder of how important it is to protect our fundamental civic rights and values.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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7

TVJerryNov 26, 2015

Bryan Cranston creates a distinctive character as Dalton Trumbo, a successful screenwriter in 40s Hollywood until the Communist scare got him blacklisted. Although there are plenty of other interesting performances (Helen Mirren as HeddaBryan Cranston creates a distinctive character as Dalton Trumbo, a successful screenwriter in 40s Hollywood until the Communist scare got him blacklisted. Although there are plenty of other interesting performances (Helen Mirren as Hedda Hopper is especially delicious), it's dominated by Cranston/Trumbo's wiseacre dialogue and outsize personality. The period recreations add visual appeal and the costumes are especially attractive (every tie is fantastic). The writing is snappy and involving, but the story sags in the middle when the drama drags it down. Still, a fascinating history lesson centered around Cranston's potent portrayal.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

TrilobiteGNov 10, 2015

Charming, humours portrayal of the film industry at the time after war. Bryan Cranston does wonders as this genius screenwriter who wonderfully unties himself from this pretzel of constant oppression against the communist party. Much lessCharming, humours portrayal of the film industry at the time after war. Bryan Cranston does wonders as this genius screenwriter who wonderfully unties himself from this pretzel of constant oppression against the communist party. Much less drama than comedy but it never disappoints. Solid watch, I'd definitely recommend this one.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

moviemitch96Dec 20, 2015

Finally decided to check this film out in light of its recent SAG and Golden Globe nominations. I'm pleased to say that this was a worthwhile biopic that made a great showcase for everyone involved. Bryan Cranston didn't disappoint as theFinally decided to check this film out in light of its recent SAG and Golden Globe nominations. I'm pleased to say that this was a worthwhile biopic that made a great showcase for everyone involved. Bryan Cranston didn't disappoint as the titular character. Helen Mirren also gave a powerful and demanding performance in the few scenes that she was in. Overall, yes the film may have seemed a bit by-the-numbers, but the acting and great true story made the film all the worthwhile to watch.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

misadventurerJan 1, 2016

Trumbo Triumphant.

by jd ep He fought fire with oil. Dalton Trumbo, novelist turned screenwriter, admitted Communist during the early days of the Cold War, winner of two Academy Awards while on the Hollywood Blacklist, seemingly neverTrumbo Triumphant.

by jd ep

He fought fire with oil. Dalton Trumbo, novelist turned screenwriter, admitted Communist during the early days of the Cold War, winner of two Academy Awards while on the Hollywood Blacklist, seemingly never saw a fight not worth getting in. Bryan Cranston's performance as the larger than life literary figure captures the subversive qualities of a man who was torn between two world one where he was a warrior for the rights of the working man, and the other, living in the Ivory Tower of being one of Hollywood's most sought after screenwriters, during a rather contentious time in Tinseltown's past. The film spans 30+ years of Trumbo's most turbulent times, from the early meetings of the Hollywood Communist Party to their trials of committing Contempt of Congress by flippantly disregarding the validity of the House UnAmerican Activities Committees's witch hunt, as well as when Trumbo went on live TV to declare he wrote the Academy Award winning 'The Brave One' under a pen name. The film acts as both time capsule, and history lesson; highlighting the grandiosity of the upper crust, hypocrisy of power and in the end does what many Oscar hopeful films do, it makes you love Hollywood at the end.

Masterfully directed by Jay Roach, who started primarily as a comedy director, notably of the Austin Powers films, but he's recently been focusing on the Political arena, the 2016 Presidential Election being around the corner may show some parallels between the likable, over the top socialist Dalton Trumbo and a certain Senator from Vermont. Weaving archival newsreel footage in with what was shot for the film, may be a little iffy, depending on rules imposed by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, though it feels like Trumbo has a solid shot at taking home a few Oscars. The 124 minute runtime flies by, there are laughs abound in an otherwise very serious movie, a great blend of humor and importance. The production design sets the scene perfectly and the score is engaging, adopting an almost Tom Waitsian knock and whir of a typewriter for montage sequences. The cast of supporting characters is solid, with Elle Fanning playing Dalton's eldest daughter, a social rights crusader in her own right, scorned by her father's workaholism. Stephen Root and John Goodman play the King Brothers, schlocky producers who churn and burn productions on the cheap, that hire Trumbo and his otherwise unemployable friends during the Blacklist years, of which Alan Tudyk and Louis C.K. are members of the infamous "Hollywood 10." There are also a few larger than life Hollywood characters that add color to the film with JAG's David James Elliot as John Wayne, The Hobbit's Dean O'Gorman as Kirk Douglas and German actor Christian Berkel as Otto Preminger, the Austrian Alfred Hitchcock. The lovely Diane Lane felt underutilized here as little more than a doting wife with a past, but she keeps the family together during their most tumultuous times. Helen Mirren as Hedda Hopper, Hollywood's premier reporter might seem familiar, to younger audiences, like Harry Potter's Dolores Umbridge, a very prim and proper conservative foil with considerable power and an axe to grind.

Finally, for the man himself. Bryan Cranston as Dalton Trumbo. With Cranston's oeuvre of television work, it's plain to see the man is a chameleon, disappearing into his roles, though with each you know Cranston is in control. Almost on the verge of a Burgess Meredith era Penguin at times, the larger than life Dalton Trumbo was a chain-smoking, whiskey drinking rabble rouser, who wasn't afraid of who he made enemies with, as long as they knew he stood his ground, to the point where he dares John Wayne to punch him in the face to prove a point. Not an imposing man, aside from his mustache towards the end, you simply don't see people like Dalton Trumbo anymore. He had a way with words that puts most writers to shame, and as the film depicts, he had a preternatural ability to crank out scripts. Though this is clearly an awards worthy performance, Cranston's reverence for Dalton is sincere. You never feel like Bryan is just playing this guy too big, you feel like you're actually watching the real Dalton Trumbo, seeing into his world, his idiosyncrasies, what makes him tick, and why he doesn't give up. Maddening as it may be to those around him.

Trumbo is a triumph that could lighten the day of even the most cynical of the Hollywood Elite, and remind them of why they got into the business in the first place.

Movie grade: A
9/10… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

foxgroveNov 6, 2015

Due to its unfamiliar subject matter this expertly crafted biographical drama about blacklisted screen writer Dalton Trumbo will, sadly, find itself relegated to the art house niche market. This is the sort of film that wouldn’t be out ofDue to its unfamiliar subject matter this expertly crafted biographical drama about blacklisted screen writer Dalton Trumbo will, sadly, find itself relegated to the art house niche market. This is the sort of film that wouldn’t be out of place as a prestige awards contender in the 1940’s given its expert design and subject matter.
The brilliant Bryan Cranston is well deserving of this shot at a leading cinema role. Following on from his undisputed acclaim in TV’S ‘Breaking Bad’, he gives a credible account of what Trumbo, or at least his essence, could have been like for the many who wouldn’t have a clue who he was. Helen Mirren pops up as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper ably demonstrating the fun she is having with the role. Her Hopper comes over as instrumental in Trumbo’s downfall and Mirren plays her as evil personified. It’s also fun to see actors taking on the roles of famous faces of the day. Edward G Robinson; John Wayne; Otto Preminger and Kirk Douglas, who is particularly well played by Dean O’Gorman, all pop up from time to time to mixed results but are not easily recognisable until someone in the cast actually states who they are.
The film strikes many emotional notes when it hits its stride encompassing both laughter and tears and, unusually, for a two hour movie of this type it doesn’t outstay its welcome.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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1

KR1527Jul 15, 2016

Boring boring boring. Just could not get into this movie. Did I say that it was boring and slow? Too bad because the cast of actors is actually pretty good.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

BHBarryNov 9, 2015

"Trumbo" is a bio-pic depicting the life and travails of Dalton Trumbo, one of the blacklisted Hollywood writers in the post war cold war era where the members of the House Unamerican Activities Committee and the infamous Senator from"Trumbo" is a bio-pic depicting the life and travails of Dalton Trumbo, one of the blacklisted Hollywood writers in the post war cold war era where the members of the House Unamerican Activities Committee and the infamous Senator from Wisconsin, Joseph McCarthy, heaped their venom on the constitutional rights of this nation’s citizens. Based on the book by Bruce Cook with a screenplay written by John McNamara, the film was directed by Jay Roach. Bryan Cranston plays the title role and Diane Lane, his wife, Cleo, with Michael Stuhlberg portraying noted actor, Edward G. Robinson. Helen Mirren is a convincing Hedda Hopper and Louis C.K ably assists in the film thus proving once again that a good comedy actor can play any serious role (although the converse is not always true). Mr. Trumbo’s story, a successful writer who, because of the blacklist, was forced to write using "fronts" (i.e. fictitious names instead of those of the real author). This is a film that teaches how to overcome obstacles and the economic and emotional stresses imposed upon those whose only crime it would appear was to attempt to preserve their respective rights of privacy and independence. Intermixed in the film are clips from newsreels and the hearings that took place at the time giving added credibility and relevance to the events that I’m sure so many involved would like to forget Mr. Trumbo, noted for screenplays ranging from "Kitty Foyle", "Roman Holiday" and "Spartacus" perhaps said s it best when he recalled this difficult era in a speech to the Writers Guild of America and noted that "there were no heroes or villains in this troubling time, only victims". Although many of us lived through this era and time and can remember the incredulous abuses heaped upon artists, teachers and so many others, there are those of later generations who do not. It is for them as well as for us to be made aware and to be reminded of what took place. I give the film an 8.0 and urge that it be seen by all who cherish freedom, justice and the indomitable spirit to survive.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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8

LeZeeFeb 24, 2016

He's a gifted writer yet different from others around him.

I think it was a sensitive subject for a movie, especially to be made in Hollywood. Communism and United States are like two opposite poles. So portraying an American who supportsHe's a gifted writer yet different from others around him.

I think it was a sensitive subject for a movie, especially to be made in Hollywood. Communism and United States are like two opposite poles. So portraying an American who supports it is a challenging task for any moviemakers. But the director of 'Meet the Parents' did a great job. Yep, you don't have to take sides while a watch. Of course, the movie discussed the issue of conflict over the types of ruling system, but it was only in the initial part that kind of looked strong. While the story advancing, that topic completely weakened and concentrated more on other stuffs. So don't expect it to be a fight for the constitutional, but a wonderful biography of one of the talented screenwriters in the history of Hollywood.

Communism or Democracy, whatever you support that does not matter here to choose whether you want watch it or not. Because this movie very smartly outlined how people are affected when they believe differently from the majority of others around. In the opening, I thought it could be an anti-hero tale, but later it transformed the angle of presentation and indeed in the end the main character turned into a most likeable one.

I liked Dalton Trumbo, not for what he preferred to support, but how he handled it all. The rival group is who made it a big concern, otherwise he is a neglectable for his egoist nature. Bryan Cranston was amazing in the title role. It's his best in the lead role, after only to the 'Breaking Bad'. Hope he's going to make more lead role films now after. Kind of of inspiring flick, of course, from his professional angle. Definitely one of the best films of the 2015 and deserved its Oscar nod.

8/10… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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5

beingryanjudeJan 23, 2016

TRUMBO features the likes of many of cinema’s great screenwriters and filmmakers of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Bryan Cranston portrays just one of these screenwriters - who is ultimately blacklisted for involvement with the Communist Party.TRUMBO features the likes of many of cinema’s great screenwriters and filmmakers of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Bryan Cranston portrays just one of these screenwriters - who is ultimately blacklisted for involvement with the Communist Party. While Cranston’s performance is impressive, the film glosses over any meaningful or deep looks into Trumbo’s Communism. TRUMBO mostly fails to create the depth and fervor present in many of the classic films depicted.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

AliceofXFeb 9, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. At the beginning of the film Trumbo's daughter Nikola asks her father what is communism. He says what if you had a sandwich and saw a boy who was hungry? When she answers that she would share her sandwich her father says that is communism. But it's not. Real communism would be the teacher coming in, eating the sandwich so now they're both hungry. It is a monstrous ideology that made 20th the bloodiest century in history, so to turn its opponents into crazed witch hunters is repulsive to me.

But even leaving personal biases aside Trumbo is still not a good film. It's one of those Performance Films, that gets all kinds of nominations for the main actor, but the story is just meh.

For a time I had some hope for this movie. In the middle we see Trumbo becoming the family tyrant. He's demanding and bullies those who oppose him and I thought that it was very clever. Trumbo becoming just like the people who persecuted him would show just how such attitudes are born. It would be introspective. But then it just moves along and after that I lost my faith in this movie.

The movie is inconsistent and suffers for it. Plus it's just all too speechy. Pretty much every thing Trumbo says is some kind of speech and he just never talks like a human being. The film makers really wanted you to get The Message. And sure, the nominations for Bryan Cranston are well deserved, but other than that there is no point in seeing this film.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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1

jmannMar 28, 2020

This movie was so bad that I was embarrassed to watch it.The writing was ridiculous, the acting was hideous.It was a big caricature, a silly empty cartoon with nothing but nothing to redeem it.And no- Bryan Cranston did not impress me-heThis movie was so bad that I was embarrassed to watch it.The writing was ridiculous, the acting was hideous.It was a big caricature, a silly empty cartoon with nothing but nothing to redeem it.And no- Bryan Cranston did not impress me-he embarrassed me.complete drek.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

CaptRedBeardJan 7, 2016

Post-WW2 Hollywood; American Capitalist ideals strongly oppose that of the American Communist Party. Top Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo (here portrayed by Bryan Cranston), an outspoken member of said party, struggles to maintain hisPost-WW2 Hollywood; American Capitalist ideals strongly oppose that of the American Communist Party. Top Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo (here portrayed by Bryan Cranston), an outspoken member of said party, struggles to maintain his career, his family life, and even the safety of his own identity in this turbulent tale of sordid scrutiny and political upheaval, thinly veiled by Hollywood's 'Golden Age'.

With a resume that includes such comedies as "Meet the Parents" [2000] and the "Austin Powers" series, this is not necessarily a story you'd expect director Jay Roach to tackle. Based on the biography by Bruce Cook, John McNamara's script doesn't necessarily focus on Trumbo's life, rather the effect that his blacklisting, incarceration and professional struggles have on his family and friends. On paper, these are the ingredients for a meaty, challenging narrative that speaks across generations, but at times it seems as if Roach is so distracted by the fact he's shooting a period piece that the audience is reliant on strong central performances to carry them through what feels like a somewhat exhaustive two-hour runtime. With sideline impersonations of silver screen democrats such as John Wayne (David James Elliott) and Edward G. Robinson (Michael Stuhlbarg), that are at times questionable, one must ask,"'is this director trying to break out of his mould?" "Trumbo" certainly helps to answer this question but it does not provide a clean break. For much of its length, it's played too straight to be a comedy, but at the same time not necessarily moving or impacting enough as it should be, especially given the focus it has on Dalton Trumbo as a man and as a character. Audiences who do not view this film in a cinema may be fighting temptation to start playing with their iPhones as the film plods along with no clear dramatic arc. Still, with terrific performances from Cranston (who does well to break away from his 'Heisenberg' persona), Diane Lane as his worrisome wife, and Helen Mirren as antagonistic Hollywood columnist Hedda Hopper, the film has all the ingredients of an Academy Award contender, but falls short in its contemporary societal impact and relevance. Consequently, this film will most likely be enjoyed by fans of Cranston's work, and film-going audiences who already have some knowledge of the people, places, and events depicted. As far as performances are concerned, special mention should also given to Louis C.K. in a dramatic turn with the "big drama dogs"; a skilful move as Oscar time nears.Some wonderfully reserved and rough-edged performances, a fascinating story (to the right audience), and some tastefully wicked humour to boot, "Trumbo" is compelling enough, though a little overstated and slightly underwhelming. Narratively, it is engaging, but not particularly focussed, as Cranston's protagonist seems the only common thread at times.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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3

csw12Jan 4, 2016

Trumbo is nothing but a preachy slog that coincidentally ignores the other side. The movie is terribly put together even with Cranston's decent performance. If you're going to make a preachy film, at least try and do it well.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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10

nj06Nov 11, 2015

Interesting and entertaining movie from start to finish. Cranston is superb, as is the rest of the cast. Excellent (but not annoying an preechy) insight into a turbulent era in the American history. Appropriate for thoughtful audienceInteresting and entertaining movie from start to finish. Cranston is superb, as is the rest of the cast. Excellent (but not annoying an preechy) insight into a turbulent era in the American history. Appropriate for thoughtful audience including young adults. R rating is way to harsh for this film.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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4

jrodfilmsNov 27, 2015

there is a scene here where the character of kirk douglas says 'somewhere in here there is a good story.' that sums it up with this film. louis ck is useless and by the end all i wanted to do was watch the old films Trumbo wrote.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

ScraperJun 1, 2020

An absolute brilliant piece of acting by Cranston and Stuhlbarg is about as rock solid a performer as you can find these days. Trumbo translated the struggle of the period perfectly. I have no idea where the reviews claiming it was an iffyAn absolute brilliant piece of acting by Cranston and Stuhlbarg is about as rock solid a performer as you can find these days. Trumbo translated the struggle of the period perfectly. I have no idea where the reviews claiming it was an iffy script with spotty performances. I thought it was the exact opposite. Terribly underrated picture.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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2

jakedubbleyaApr 2, 2016

A Hollywood celebration of the character of a man who defended Hitler and took orders from Stalin. Hollywood seems to have forgotten that Soviet Union and it's supporters weren't leftist, they were totalitarian. Trumbo was an important andA Hollywood celebration of the character of a man who defended Hitler and took orders from Stalin. Hollywood seems to have forgotten that Soviet Union and it's supporters weren't leftist, they were totalitarian. Trumbo was an important and fascinating historical figure, but he was NOT the character we see celebrated in this film.

As far as technical aspects, the movie is capable, lifting my score to... a two.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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9

royphishoohMar 27, 2016

Excellent film with great performances from the entire cast especially Bryan Cranston and Helen Mirren as the despicable wicked witch of the west Hedda Hopper. Reviewer csw12 - the film "ignores the other side"? you must be the sort ofExcellent film with great performances from the entire cast especially Bryan Cranston and Helen Mirren as the despicable wicked witch of the west Hedda Hopper. Reviewer csw12 - the film "ignores the other side"? you must be the sort of redneck moron who thinks that Nixon, Reagan and the Bushes were good presidents.… Expand

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7

GreatMartinNov 29, 2015

To paraphrase a speech Dalton Trumbo gave at the Screenwriters Guild of America, ‘We should all look back at this evil time in the history of our country and not forget what evil can do.’

“Trumbo” is a film about 10 writers who stood up toTo paraphrase a speech Dalton Trumbo gave at the Screenwriters Guild of America, ‘We should all look back at this evil time in the history of our country and not forget what evil can do.’

“Trumbo” is a film about 10 writers who stood up to the House Un-American Activities Committee, led by New Jersey Republican J. Parnell Thomas and the ‘Red Scare’ led by the Republican Senator from Wisconsin Joseph McCarthy. Though all 10 were blacklisted from earning a living, and in some cases more dire circumstances, the concern that communists had infiltrated the every day lives of Americans was unfounded.

Dalton Trumbo was a workaholic which would help him later after he is convicted and spent 10 months in prison, for not ‘naming names’, ‘for standing up for what he believed’, for not answering “Are you or are you not a communist” knowing that the constitution and the first amendment protected him.

Though this all took place 65 years ago and made headlines all over the world I don’t know what would define spoilers so I would rather you discover this shameful time in America’s history on your own but it should been seen by those who were around in the 1950s and all those who have come afterwards.

The writers were held in contempt by such ‘true’ Americans as John Wayne (David James Elliot) and, Dalton in particular was hounded by columnist Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren) who seemed to be out to destroy him. The screenplay by John McNamara, based on the book by Bruce Cook, covers all sides of what happened from Edward G. Robinson (Michael Stuhlbarg) as the ‘tough guy’ who named names but said the committee already had these names to Kirk Douglas (Dean O’Gorman) who helped Dalton Trumbo break the blacklist.

Part of the fun of the movie, and in spite of the heavy subject there are fun and laughs, is trying to discover who is playing who before their names are mentioned. There’s John Goodman as Frank King who produced many B movies and helped the blacklisted writers make a living after getting out of prison and Otto Preminger (Christian Berkel) just to name a few. Part of the fun is seeing clips from movies (“Roman Holiday”, “The Brave One”, “Spartacus”) or seeing ads for Ginger Rogers in “Kitty Foyle” or knowing this man went on to write “Exodus”, “The Way We Were” and “Papillion” just to mention a few.

Most of the fun is watching Helen Mirren camp it up as Hopper while adding gravity to the film are Louis C.K. and Alan Tudyk as fellow writers with a strong scene by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as another inmate.

Diane Lane, as Trumbo’s wife, is wasted seemingly playing a Democratic version of Pat Nixon while Elle Fanning gives a sparkling, firecracker version of the older daughter who takes after her father.
Bryan Cranston, as Dalton Trumbo, whether sitting in a tub of water writing manuscripts, smoking cigarettes, drinking scotch, being Lord of the Manor of the ranch he owns and where the family lives until he is forced to sell it or giving his all to what he believes in and knows is right, gives a solid performance though sometimes the script lets him down.

The film directed by Jay Roach, in pedestrian form, tells a “Hollywood--based on a true story”--film that is saved by the facts that it is very relevant to our world today and a historic decade episode in America that shouldn’t be forgotten!

Though “Trumbo” is not a great film it is an important one plus provides a ‘can’t take your eyes off her’ performance by Helen Mirren.… Expand