Bleecker Street Media | Release Date: November 6, 2015
7.2
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Generally favorable reviews based on 160 Ratings
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124
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Negative:
9
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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 never
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 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
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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.
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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 supports
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 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
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2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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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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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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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
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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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 to
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 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.
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7
BrianMcCriticFeb 18, 2016
Trumbo has its flaws primarily in its screenplay and pace, still works because Cranston's performance and an overall interest in the source material kept me on board. B+
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7
tvnewsguidoDec 27, 2015
It's not great but it is good.

The performances are fine and the story is a good one but the film lacks genuine emotion. I didn't feel much of anything for the characters. Trumbo was such a "bigger than life" character that everyone
It's not great but it is good.

The performances are fine and the story is a good one but the film lacks genuine emotion. I didn't feel much of anything for the characters.

Trumbo was such a "bigger than life" character that everyone else's story is overshadowed by Cranston's performance.

This period in American History is important and the horror should be repeated to each generation. I just hope the next picture to bring it up drives home some true feelings that can resonate with the audience.
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7
AxeTDec 1, 2015
Good old fashioned well told biopic with no frills just for style's sake, just solid craftsmanship making for a good movie on a subject that much more interesting to those interested in the screenwriting trade and history of the movieGood old fashioned well told biopic with no frills just for style's sake, just solid craftsmanship making for a good movie on a subject that much more interesting to those interested in the screenwriting trade and history of the movie business in general. Cranston's over-the-top performance is amusing. Expand
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7
UrbanlistenerJul 13, 2016
Interesting movie, a story I didn't know about and was fairly entertained by. Bryan Cranston is brilliant as Trumbo, the cast is stellar, the storytelling pretty good, the music and cinematography excellent, but the film drags a bit sometimesInteresting movie, a story I didn't know about and was fairly entertained by. Bryan Cranston is brilliant as Trumbo, the cast is stellar, the storytelling pretty good, the music and cinematography excellent, but the film drags a bit sometimes and becomes boring, and also it feels somehow clumsy and overly simplistic in its way of explaining all the pieces of the puzzles and making them move. But overall it is worth a look for Cranston's performance and learning about this interesting true story. Expand
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7
RalfbergsDec 7, 2016
Enjoyable movie even though the story itself might not be that entertaining - it is important and people should know what happens here, but it lacks action for most of it. The acting here is brilliant though, especially the lead roles andEnjoyable movie even though the story itself might not be that entertaining - it is important and people should know what happens here, but it lacks action for most of it. The acting here is brilliant though, especially the lead roles and that's what makes the film really good here. Just that it is not really my type of movie, so only 7. Expand
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8
Jess_HillJul 17, 2016
Magnificent performances, with a witty script, combined to create an excellent film that was beautifully paced and thoroughly engaging. Cranston was superb, and it was delightful seeing the eclectic ensemble cast engage with what is aMagnificent performances, with a witty script, combined to create an excellent film that was beautifully paced and thoroughly engaging. Cranston was superb, and it was delightful seeing the eclectic ensemble cast engage with what is a shameful and prescient period of American history. Whilst I was disappointed in some of the female roles, particularly Lane's, overall this was a polished and entertaining film. 8.36/10 Expand
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7
RvwFromUpHereDec 8, 2015
Who: Bryan Cranston, Steve the Pirate, and Superman's mom as Cleo
What: Conservatives arresting liberals because they're scared of a war with no battles
Where: An unthinkable time where Hollywood's best screenwriters were sent to jail,
Who: Bryan Cranston, Steve the Pirate, and Superman's mom as Cleo
What: Conservatives arresting liberals because they're scared of a war with no battles
Where: An unthinkable time where Hollywood's best screenwriters were sent to jail, while the bad screenwriters stayed home and wrote Elizabethtown
When (can I watch again): 4 months or so
Why: If you like Bryan Cranston half as much as you like movies about civil rights, this film will shatter your expectations.
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7
geo333Apr 3, 2016
With a great performance by Bryan Cranston that leads the film and keeps it entertaining. Add to that a good supporting cast as well a good to solid plot and story, Overall, Trumbo is a good movie to watch.
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7
DanBurritoSep 2, 2016
It isn't perfect, but Trumbo manages to do it's fascinating true story justice with an engaging narrative and a fantastic performance from Bryan Cranston. The supporting cast also shine, with entertaining turns from Helen Mirren and JohnIt isn't perfect, but Trumbo manages to do it's fascinating true story justice with an engaging narrative and a fantastic performance from Bryan Cranston. The supporting cast also shine, with entertaining turns from Helen Mirren and John Goodman. The score was fantastic. It might be one of the best scores of the last couple of years. There were a few flaws- certain parts of it felt somewhat like parts of a TV movie, and it could have gone into more detail about Trumbo's plight. Nonetheless, Trumbo is an interesting film that's both entertaining and educational- and honours its subject with a solid script and strong performances. 7/10. Expand
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8
smiyamotMar 17, 2016
Wow, I was a kid back then so I only knew what was happening on the surface thanks to my mom's "Photoplay" magazine, the "People" magazine of it's day. To find out all the movie industry politics going on, plus Hedda Hopper's role in it,Wow, I was a kid back then so I only knew what was happening on the surface thanks to my mom's "Photoplay" magazine, the "People" magazine of it's day. To find out all the movie industry politics going on, plus Hedda Hopper's role in it, what a revelation! The sad reflection of this movie is what it says about Americans. Let's screw somebody. WWII was just over, America had rounded up Japanese Americans and put them in concentration camps, now anyone connected to the Communist party was to be "caught", Hedda wanted to expose all the Jews in Hollywood so they'd be run out, and on and on it goes to today where Muslims are the target, or was it blacks, or Mexicans? Expand
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8
horrorliefhebMay 1, 2016
-Trumbo is a 2015 American biographical drama film directed by Jay Roach and written by John McNamara. The film stars Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren, Louis C.K., Elle Fanning, John Goodman and Michael Stuhlbarg. The film follows the-Trumbo is a 2015 American biographical drama film directed by Jay Roach and written by John McNamara. The film stars Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren, Louis C.K., Elle Fanning, John Goodman and Michael Stuhlbarg. The film follows the life of Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo and is based on the biography Dalton Trumbo by Bruce Alexander Cook.

-The film was shown in the Special Presentations section of the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 2015, and was released on November 6, 2015, by Bleecker Street. The film has received generally positive reviews, with lead actor Bryan Cranston nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor. However, the film has also been criticized for historical inaccuracies and misportrayals of important people and events.

--Critical response:

-Trumbo has received generally positive reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a rating of 74%, based on 144 reviews, with an average rating of 6.7/10. The site's critical consensus states, "Trumbo serves as an honorable and well-acted tribute to a brilliant writer's principled stand, even if it doesn't quite achieve the greatness of its subject's own classic screenplays." Metacritic gives the film a score of 60 out of 100, based on reviews from 33 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".

-Despite generally positive reviews, several critics attacked the film for being historically misleading or for ideological reasons. Godfrey Cheshire of the Roger Ebert Journal wrote that Trumbo is “another of those simplistic, made-to-order films about the Hollywood blacklist in which the blacklisted movie folks are all innocent, in every conceivable way.” Cheshire decried the film's insinuation that Joseph McCarthy and the House Committee on Un-American Activities created the Hollywood blacklist. In reality, the blacklist was created by Hollywood studio chiefs. Cheshire also wrote that the film defended international communism: “it invites us to the see the Communist Party USA as just another political party rather than as the domestic instrument of a hostile and ultra-murderous foreign tyranny.”

-Other critics raised similar historical concerns. While the film portrays Trumbo as “a New Deal liberal hero defending civil liberties”, Ron Capshaw explained how the real Trumbo was an outspoken supporter of Soviet-style communism, including the brutal regimes of Joseph Stalin and North Korean dictator Kim Il-sung. The conservative Pat Buchanan questioned the appropriateness of portraying Trumbo as a “martyr to the first amendment” while overlooking his support for regimes that actively suppress free speech. Armond White of the National Review went a step further, accusing director Jay Roach of “unrestrained partisanship” for whitewashing the dark history of communist ideologies to invent a hero that supports Roach’s political views.

--Alleged Robinson inaccuracy:

-The film depicts actor Edward G. Robinson betraying his friend Dalton Trumbo and others by naming them as communists before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Robinson did testify four times before the committee and eventually stated that he had been a dupe of communist front organizations, but he never named anyone, friend or foe, as a communist. According to the transcript of a hearing on April 30, 1952, Robinson gave the following testimony: "Well, you had Albert Maltz, and you have Dalton Trumbo, and you have—what is the other fellow, the top fellow who they say is the commissar out there?", and after being prompted by his questioner (Mr. Walter), Robinson continued: "Yes, John Howard Lawson. I knew Frank Tuttle. I didn't know Dmytryk at all. There are the Buchmans, that I know, Sidney Buchman and all that sort of thing. It never entered my mind that any of these people were Communists." His testimony is re-enacted in the film, but with alterations, including to some of the names and their order. For instance, instead of John Howard Lawson, the composite character, Arlen Hird, is identified as "the commissar".
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8
MEFzelderJun 5, 2016
De los textos de "Dalton Trumbo" de Bruce Alexander Cook, John McNamara y Jay Roach logran adaptar al cine un emocional drama biográfico que narra las experiencias del guionista cuando fue parte de la lista negra de los Estado Unidos por susDe los textos de "Dalton Trumbo" de Bruce Alexander Cook, John McNamara y Jay Roach logran adaptar al cine un emocional drama biográfico que narra las experiencias del guionista cuando fue parte de la lista negra de los Estado Unidos por sus creencias políticas.
La historia inicia en 1940 cuando Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston) cuando sus guiones lo fueron llevado a ser uno de los escritores mejor pago de la industria del cine. En el '47 es hallado sospechoso de conspirar contra los Estados Unidos durante la Guerra Fría por sus afiliaciones comunistas, sin salir libre de juicio, él y un grupo de colegas son enviados a prisión y sumados a la lista negra del Comité de Actividades Antiestadounidenses.
Le película perfectamente logra exhibir las batallas del cineasta durante esos tiempos, siendo los medios su mayor enemiga, tanto por cine, prensa escrita o radio no hubo persona que escapara del mensaje anti comunista.
Bryan Cranston desarrolla su papel de forma brillante, lograr la excentricidad del personaje sin perder la característica de intelectual, haciendo que Dalton Trumbo en pantalla se pueda conocer como un hombre de mucho carisma y con una labia que transmite, y se siente legítima.
El elenco secundario también tiene sus joyas, Helen Mirren como Hedda Hopper es una gran antagonista, mostrándose eximia y elegante; Diane Lane, Cleo Trumbo) y Ellen Fanning, Niki Trumbo adulta, son dos fuertes apoyos para Cranston, teniendo ellas diálogos muy importantes para la evolución del protagonista.
"Trumbo" es un gran drama, que narra la perspectiva del ciudadano aplacado por el Estado Durante la psicosis de la Segunda Guerra Mundial desde la perspectiva de un personaje identificable y carismático.
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10
CapnConundrumJul 7, 2017
Honestly I'm not sure how this film could have done things better. It can be argued that it rushes through certain moments of Trumbo's life, but I'm glad the experience of such an interesting life was condensed into two hours. It's why weHonestly I'm not sure how this film could have done things better. It can be argued that it rushes through certain moments of Trumbo's life, but I'm glad the experience of such an interesting life was condensed into two hours. It's why we have a movie. It can be argued, on the opposite hand, that not enough happens, but one cannot expect wild fancy in a biopic. Many critics argue that Trumbo was more of a wildcard than he was written, but he doesn't seem like it to me, when I've watched interviews. It has been argued, hilariously, by certain pundits that Trumbo's ideals should not be celebrated, but the only ideal being celebrated here is freedom of speech. My personal experience of this film is probably a 9/10, but honestly as I sat down to write the review I could think of no single reason not to give it a 10. Perhaps the story deserves a 9, but Cranston's performance is one of the best of all time. It's criminal that DeCaprio grunted his way into an Oscar when Cranston was bringing a fascinating man to life. And that's what Trumbo was: a fascinating man. To be unable to see the beauty of him, and the importance of what happened to him, simply because of one's own leanings is nothing short of disgusting. Trumbo deserves to be enjoyed for what it is: a biopic of one of history's most eloquent men, in a time when speech was being silenced. Expand
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021
This is an interesting film, ultimately about politics - the politics of the time, showing the repercussions of it being known someones political persuasion (being a communist). The film features text at the start explaining the background toThis is an interesting film, ultimately about politics - the politics of the time, showing the repercussions of it being known someones political persuasion (being a communist). The film features text at the start explaining the background to things, how communists were viewed by the US in general at the time the film is set in and so on.

I hadn't been aware of the character of Trumbo beforehand but through Bryan Cranston's performance, I got a feel for his determination to move on after having been treated badly for his beliefs and the affect this had on his family and work. I can't say its in any way a fast paced or action based film but as a drama, its certainly intriguing and I thought both Dalton (Trumbo) and his daughter,Niki, played by Elle Fanning/Madison Wolfe (as the younger Niki), gave particularly noteable/respectable performances. Also present is John Goodman as a less than admirable studio official and Helen Mirren as Hedda Hopper, an actress and columnist. I thought it was an interesting story and I quite enjoyed it, so I'd recommend this to others.
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