'TRUMBO': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
A biographical-drama flick, based on the life of successful Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo; who was jailed, and blacklisted (in the 1940s), for his communist beliefs. The film stars Bryan Cranston, as Trumbo, and it costars Diane Lane, Louis C.K., Helen Mirren, Elle Fanning, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Dean O'Gorman, David James Elliott and Alan Tudyk. It was directed by Jay Roach, in his dramatic directorial debut; following many popular comedy flicks (like 'MEET THE PARENTS', it's first sequel, and all of the 'AUSTIN POWERS' movies). The film was written by John McNamara, and it was based on the book ('Dalton Trumbo') by Bruce Cook. I found it to be very involving, educational and inspiring.
In 1947, Dalton Trumbo (Cranston) was one of Hollywood's most successful screenwriters; he was also a member of the extremely controversial CPUSA (Communist Party of the USA). The party was so threatening, to those in power, that many famous Hollywood figures, of the time, were subpoenaed and jailed, for their beliefs (and refusing to admit to the use of propaganda, in their work). Trumbo was one of 10 screenwriters, that fell victim to this paranoia. Upon release from prison, he continued to work, under aliases, and attempted to expose the injustice, of this abuse.
I didn't know a lot about the details, of these historical events; I also knew very little about Dalton Trumbo. So for me, the movie was very informative, and fascinating. It reminded me (a lot) of similar political battles, and social struggles, still going on today. For these reasons, I found the film to be extremely emotional. I also found it to be very entertaining, because of it's insightful details, about Hollywood (at that time). Cranston gives a very impressive performance; and the supporting cast is all good as well (O'Gorman is especially memorable, as Kirk Douglas). Roach might not have been the best director, for this material, but the movie is still really memorable, and enjoyable!
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/j9uf6E4pnlw
A biographical-drama flick, based on the life of successful Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo; who was jailed, and blacklisted (in the 1940s), for his communist beliefs. The film stars Bryan Cranston, as Trumbo, and it costars Diane Lane, Louis C.K., Helen Mirren, Elle Fanning, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Dean O'Gorman, David James Elliott and Alan Tudyk. It was directed by Jay Roach, in his dramatic directorial debut; following many popular comedy flicks (like 'MEET THE PARENTS', it's first sequel, and all of the 'AUSTIN POWERS' movies). The film was written by John McNamara, and it was based on the book ('Dalton Trumbo') by Bruce Cook. I found it to be very involving, educational and inspiring.
In 1947, Dalton Trumbo (Cranston) was one of Hollywood's most successful screenwriters; he was also a member of the extremely controversial CPUSA (Communist Party of the USA). The party was so threatening, to those in power, that many famous Hollywood figures, of the time, were subpoenaed and jailed, for their beliefs (and refusing to admit to the use of propaganda, in their work). Trumbo was one of 10 screenwriters, that fell victim to this paranoia. Upon release from prison, he continued to work, under aliases, and attempted to expose the injustice, of this abuse.
I didn't know a lot about the details, of these historical events; I also knew very little about Dalton Trumbo. So for me, the movie was very informative, and fascinating. It reminded me (a lot) of similar political battles, and social struggles, still going on today. For these reasons, I found the film to be extremely emotional. I also found it to be very entertaining, because of it's insightful details, about Hollywood (at that time). Cranston gives a very impressive performance; and the supporting cast is all good as well (O'Gorman is especially memorable, as Kirk Douglas). Roach might not have been the best director, for this material, but the movie is still really memorable, and enjoyable!
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/j9uf6E4pnlw