Trumbo - movie review

Trumbo

Plot: In 1947, Dalton Trumbo was Hollywood's top screenwriter, until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs.
Cast: Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren
Director: Jay Roach
Rating: 15
Runtime: 2hrs 4 mins
Release Date: Friday 5th February 2016

The story of Dalton Trumbo is one of mystery and intrigue. Having been alienated, shunned and eventually ostracised, Trumbo faces the adversity and continues screenwriting in secret. This is a series of events that I was initially unfamiliar with but, because of the stellar cast and the promise of a behind the scenes look at 1940's and 50's Hollywood, Trumbo drew my attention to be seen. Thankfully, it successfully provided me with the information I wanted and was accomplished in a way that felt more like a dramatic retelling rather than a monotonous documentary.


I will go on record and say that Bryan Cranston is easily one of the greatest actors living. Following on from the best television performance of all time (Walter White/Heisenberg in Breaking Bad), Cranston owns this entire film. His charming and charismatic nature pours from the screen and he was the perfect fit for Trumbo. The eloquent way in which Trumbo speaks and how that can then transfer into his screenwriting splices perfectly with Cranston's persona. I'm glad that he has been able to continue his work into film so that he does not remain known only for his time in Breaking Bad. As far as his Oscar nomination is concerned, does he deserve the recognition? I believe that he does. Does he deserve to win? I think that some other actors slightly outshone him this year. The other performers featured are just as strong. Helen Mirren as a snooty and pretentious depiction of Hedda Hopper seemed to revel in this role. She was a gloriously awful human being but you love to hate her. Both Louis C.K. and John Goodman have much more minor roles but they are so captivating that I only wished they had more screen time. Diane Lane (who never seems to age) also appears as Trumbo's wife and Elle Fanning depicts his daughter. Whilst Lane gives a fantastic and subdued performance, Fanning seemed to be lacking a special something and couldn't compete against these high-class actors in her midst. There are also the significant inclusions of actors portraying the classic figures of John Wayne and Kirk Douglas. The aspect that impressed me the most was that these representations never felt like an impression. Instead, they served a purpose to developing the story even further.

One of my prime issues that I encountered with Trumbo were its structural problems. Whilst the first and third acts of this movie make for a compelling and ultimately entertaining watch, the second act almost brings this movie to a complete halt. This period of the film begins to focus on Trumbo's family life and how his work with script writing and his political views create divides within his own home. Family issues always seem to be a constant theme in biographical dramas and whilst it is a pleasure to see our prominent focus being given a true  representation, it seemed to detract from the promise the movie had made. Instead, I would have preferred it's attention to be solely upon Trumbo and defying Hollywood with his secret screenplays and pseudonyms. Whenever the focus was brought back upon his relationship with wife and children and also his time spent in jail, I was taken away from the film having a cinematic feel and instead, was more of a soap opera. What I can celebrate however, was the portrayal of Hollywood. I am fascinated when movies give the audience an inside look of how it all operated back in the day. The way this film depicts how films were made, private screenings that were given and the approach of the Oscars are so phenomenally intriguing.

Equally important for a film set in this time period, is how effective and realistic the costumes and set are. The director, Roach, production designer, Mark Ricker and costume designer, Daniel Orlandi, all successfully complete what was required of them. The classical look is fulfilled and costumes suit what was required. This overall look of the film clearly demonstrates a deep care and regard for the specific point in time. But what I must address is how this film will basically be Marmite. What I mean by this, is that some may not like Trumbo whereas some may. For me, I'm stuck in the middle. It can often be heavy handed with its political context which at times, comes across more preachy rather than informative. It is also by no means, the most exhilarating movie. So I can understand why some may regard this film as dull and uneventful.

Because of the fantastic performances led by the unstoppable Cranston, Trumbo is something I would recommend. The story is entertaining for the most part but some will definitely be put off by the unnecessarily slow second act. Whilst Trumbo has it's benefits of being a cinematic film, a one-off miniseries featured on TV may have been more appropriate.

My Verdict: 6.5/10

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