A number of Hollywood’s finest, among them Edward G. Robinson are fingered and they are singled out for punishment. Trumbo is identified as well and as a man of conviction stands his ground and fights the good fight, never naming anyone else as Party members.
Helen Mirren is wonderful as Hedda Hopper, the top writer covering the entertainment world and a staunch anti Communist. John Goodman is fantastic as a “B” movie producer Frank King, who Trumbo turns to in order to make a living under a pseudonym since no one else will produce his work. Diane Lane is lovely as usual in the role of Cleo Trumbo, Dalton’s wife.
My only difficulty during the film was handling the actors portraying the movie icons known to all of us, like John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Edward G. Robinson. The performances were fine but it took a little work to bring it home for me.
Directed by Jay Roach, the film artfully weaves in actual footage from the time period to include the hearings. Politics aside, I really enjoyed this film and I am in awe of Cranston’s amazing talent and range. He is one of the very best in the business today.
I strongly encourage you to see this film and I will be shocked if Bryan Cranston does not receive an Oscar nomination. Mirren may get a nod as well.
