FilmSnobReviews

Title: Trumbo
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Jay Roach
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren
Runtime: 2 hrs 4 mins

What It Is: Screenwriter Dalton Trumbo is a communist and a proud one to boot. This presents a problem as the Cold War with the communist U.S.S.R. begins. As J. Thomas Parnell and his House Committee on Un-American Activities begins an assault on the Screenwriters Guild of America Trumbo is the biggest target. Blacklisted from Hollywood, he is forced to now earn his living under assumed names. Previously known as Hollywood’s best screenwriter, his legacy continued despite his blacklisting.

What We Think: Jay Roach is not known for pictures of this caliber. His previous films are by and large comedies. From the Austin Powers films to the first two films in the Meet the Parents series. His normal fodder is reserved for a lower common denominator. This ain’t that type of movie. Nu uh no way. It is such a sophisticated piece with great performances. Sadly I think that might be in spite of Roach instead of because of him. When you have a cast like this you don’t have to do much. I am a sucker for old Hollywood and this period is particularly interesting.

Our Grade: B, Trumbo does a lot of things right. Not enough for me to push it into the upper echelon of this year’s cinema. It is still a well-churned film, one that moves along well. It is funny and I recommend everyone check it out! It’ll get some Awards love, I think mostly due to performances. I do not expect a nomination for Roach, however, this is still decent work by a guy really stretching those direction muscles. Also freaking Bryan Cranston man! That dude is incredible here, just so good. Also, I want to give a shoutout to Michael Stuhlberg for his great turn as actor Edward G. Robinson. That’s two good performances in a month from him if you count this and Pawn Sacrifice.