Trumbo is the latest work from director Jay Roach. Yes, the same Jay Roach who directed such pop culture phenoms as the Austin Powers and Meet the Parents Trilogies. That Jay Roach. To see a director with his “caliber” of work making an important film such as Trumbo proves there is hope in the world for cinema yet. But why it is so important is the real question.
Dalton Trumbo was a prolific novelist and screen writer during the Macarthy Era of America. For those unaware, these were trying times for many intellectuals and creatives. The U.S. government checked up on influential people who may have had ties to the Communist Party and in turn blacklisted some of the brightest without provocation or a definitive link to the organization. Trumbo fought against this bias, using tactics like pen names to keep his work in the mainstream while fighting against the very people who were unfairly accusing creatives of said crimes.
Bryan Cranston shines as the titular character of Trumbo. Transforming into the role with the old school panache of a seasoned character actor. Armed with his usual quick witted style and knack for bringing those he has played to life, Cranston doesn’t pull any punches. Few thespians, save for example Jonnny Depp as Hunter S. Thomson, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Capote or Daniel Day Lewis in any role he undertakes, are we graced with talent which truly transforms into the person they have set out to personify. This is one of those films.
Co-staring the meteorically rising Louis C.K., Trumbo brings out other acting greats, such as Alan Tudyk, Helen Mirren, Diane Lane, John Goodman, Stephen Root, as well as up and comer Elle Fanning. Looking like an eye opening film about the darker times of crimea history, one can see Trumbo going for Oscar gold with it’s subject matter.
Watch for yourself. Trumbo might just be the next big hit of award season.
Opening November 20, 2015.
