Review of Trumbo (2015) by Mikael K — 25 Apr 2016

The consequences of anti-communist panic in America during the 50's and 60's is a subject frequently explored in Hollywood, often with a focus on the entertainment town's own shameful overreactions. This particular soul-searching effort comes from Jay Roach who is mostly known from his successful comedies, some of which have already had a political analysis streak in them.

"Trumbo" is the biopic of Donald Trumbo, a successful screenwriter who got discredited and jailed for being an out communist. The story begins in 1947 when Trumbo has influence, wealth and is hailed a masterful screenwriter and author by critics and audiences alike. But a storm is brewing. Academia, authors and Hollywood screenwriters are almost without exception privately left-leaning, but Trumbo is so very openly and vocally. He demonstrates for the rights of set builders with such well known leftists like Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall and speaks out against censorship, getting a lot of influential people angry.

So begins a dark tale of the times, when people were jailed for opinions because of unfounded paranoia about foreign takeovers and conspiracy theories. TV-screenwriter and producer John McNamara has adapted Trumbo's story from Bruce Cook's book with artistic license. He pays homage to the protagonist by building the tale like a good old Hollywood classic: dramatic, even theatrical and classically broad in biographical scope.

Bryan Cranston is game for portraying Trumbo with intensity, adding necessary dimensions to an easily too contrasted film. Helen Mirren probably can't fail if she tried, and is marvelously chilly as ruthless gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, Trumbo's conservative nemesis. Special mentions should also go to Diane Lane in a mostly old-fashioned role of Trumbo's wife Cleo. Cleo does get just a bit more depth during the third act, and Lane does her best with what little she is given. Louis C.K. is also competent as Trumbo's fellow screenwriter and reluctant political martyr, fictional composite Arlen Hird.

Roache's direction is competent but "Trumbo" might have been a brilliant film instead of a great one if he had been just a bit more daring. "Trumbo" has the look and feel of a Trumbo-era biopic, but not enough so. The overall impression is one of a well-made TV-movie. A nostalgic treatment of the entertainment industry as well as a story with a message, the film might have benefitted either from a fearless retro approach or a more creative cinematic treatment. As it stands, "Trumbo" does what it sets out to do well, but doesn't truly stand out as anything unique.