Review of Trumbo (2007) by Amy-Lauren B — 09 Aug 2016

In this bio-pic adaptation of true events, fan favourite Bryan Cranston plays Dalton Trumbo, notorious Hollywood screenwriter. Despite his various critically acclaimed works, Trumbo is best remembered for his controversies, as part of the Hollywood Blacklist, from 1947 through to the 1960s. He and other prominent creatives of the filmmaking industry were publically denounced in a crack down on communist activities. After serving time in prison, they were banned from working at all major studios, so to not 'push their communist agenda' on US audiences. Trumbo follows its namesakes journey, providing a warts-and-all depiction of the man himself, the Hollywood elites, the HUAC and American society.

First things first, I've gotta stress, this is a movie for people that LOVE the cinema. It plays like a history lesson of a specific period in American and cinematic history, capturing the paranoia and brandishing of the McCarthy and Red Scare era. I watched it with my partner who didn't really know anything about the Hollywood Ten or the Blacklist, and he'd often look at me while watching it in disbelief. I felt the same way too, despite the lectures covering it at University. You understand and sympathize with each of the screenwriters and directors depicted, in their struggles. Their political ideologies come at a cost to their voices as professionals, and as human beings. Our protagonists find work, but only by writing under pseudonyms at the smaller studios that would accept them. The movie depicts this, and drives the message home in its closing scenes, where an aged Trumbo talks about being lucky in comparison to others, who lost money, their families, and even their lives.

It's cautious not to be entirely one-sided. At times, Trumbo comes cross as a genuinely unlikable character, with all his quirks and ego. Of course, Cranston has a real skill with characters like that, and comes across as strong throughout. Helen Mirren is also in fantastic form, completely embodying the busy-body nature of Hedda Hopper. As does Louis CK, who shines in his touching portrayal of Arlen Hird. The cast all round are completely on point. The films short comings relate to narrative. At times, Trumbo feels a bit like an Oscar grab, so much so that the awards make an appearance or two during the film itself. I understand, it's a big part of Dalton Trumbo's story, but its handling doesn't quite sit right. Neither does the script, for a movie about screenwriters. It's a little flimsy and cliqued.

Overall, Trumbo is worth your time if you're a cinema fan, as a look back at dark and turbulent time for the film industry. Its emotional and sentimental undertones, alongside a variety of well-played performances, make Trumbo an interesting watch, even with all its faults considered.