rudymaynard
Bryan Cranston's performance as Dalton Trumbo is superb, (even though he figured out a way to characteristically show off his nude physique.) The supporting cast is also excellent, especially Diane Lane and Elle Fanning as members of his ill-used and neglected family. The cinematography is quite good, with perfect production design. But the notion that communists somehow believed themselves to be defenders of free speech demonstrates the foolishness of the progressive left. Under any real communist government, they would simply have become unpersons or been shot for advocating freedom of expression.
ciprianb80
One of the best movies that I had the chance to see lately. It's about a man, a writer, a very successful one that had his life destroyed by stupid people with stupid and limited political ideas. But he manages to defy them and against all odds he is rehabilitated, working hard and finding the best ways to fight those who were trying to impose a ban on his work, on the grounds that he was a supporter of communism.
grantss
The story of Dalton Trumbo, an extremely gifted screenwriter whose career was almost destroyed by the Communist witch hunts and resulting Hollywood blacklist of the late-1940s/early-50s. We see how the witch hunts unfold, the results and how Trumbo manages to survive and ultimately thrive.A movie which depicts the darkest period of Hollywood's, if not America's, history. More than just showing the injustice, hysteria and lunacy involved, we see the effect this has on the people who were victims of the events. Very compelling and engaging viewing.Mixed in with the drama is some wonderfully warm, often dark, humour. Director Jay Roach definitely shows where his past experience lies...Superb performance by Bryan Cranston in the lead role, for which he received an Oscar nomination. Solid supporting cast that includes Diane Lane, Helen Mirren, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alan Tudyk and Louis CK.
zkonedog
I'm always up for a good historical biopic, so I was intrigued by "Trumbo" from the first time I heard of it. The fact that Brian Cranston was in the lead role piqued my interest even further. Amazingly, though, this movie surpassed even those high expectations by telling a highly compelling story (filled with great acting) that can still resonate just as much in today's times even though it takes place in the 1950s.For a basic plot summary, "Trumbo" is the story of Dalton Trumbo (Cranston), a Hollywood screenwriter who gets blacklisted and even goes to prison under the suspicion of being a Communist during the Red Scare of the 1950s. The film shows how the Communist witch-hunt played out in both Trumbo's own family, most notably wife Cleo (Diane Lane) and daughter Niki (Elle Fanning), and in his relationship with other Hollywood luminaries of the time like Edward G. Robinson (Michael Stuhlbarg), Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren), & even John Wayne (David James Elliott).What I liked the most about "Trumbo" was that it really took the time to examine both sides of the Red Scare. Even though in hindsight most agree that it was ridiculous and overbearing, director Jay Roach does a great job of still humanizing both sides of the issue. There aren't black-and-white heroes or villains in this movie, but rather two sides who fervently believe they are "right" and keeping the country safe in doing so. Trumbo wasn't going to back down from his beliefs, and neither was a fellow like, say, Duke Wayne, which makes for an epic clash of ideologies.Of course, it sure doesn't hurt that the acting is tremendous from all involved. It quietly features an all-star cast, while Cranston continues to prove how great of an actor he is. I have trouble believing why he had to toil as "the goofy Dad on Malcolm in the Middle" for so long before people began realizing what a serious actor he could be."Trumbo" is very similar to another film that came out in 2015, that being Steven Spielberg's "Bridge of Spies". Both films look at the Cold War Era and draw parallels to today's turmoil-filled political landscape. "Trumbo", however, might be an even better experience because it is so fresh and new. With Spielberg (though obviously through no fault of his own) a viewer kind of knows what is coming, and then he always comes through. With Roach, who before this was known best for directing the three Austin Powers movies, you never know where the story is going to go. Fortunately, it always pays off and elicits high emotion.Overall, "Trumbo" was one of the best movies I watched of late for its ability to tell such a compelling story that really will make you think about politics today too and if anything has really changed. Do we learn from our mistakes, or will they keep popping up in other guises? That is what is at the heart of "Trumbo", and the incredible acting performances really drive the point home. Highly recommended for anyone who is a fan of history or even just the Hollywood scene in general.