Trumbo

The story of Trumbo is infamous American history and a stark reminder of the dark path our country walked during the Cold War. A time when men and women were not allowed to work simply because of their beliefs. In the case of Trumbo, he had just signed a massive deal with MGM but soon was fired after Congress applied pressure to the studios to disassociate themselves from any known communist.

Bryan Cranston plays Trumbo as a thoughtful, eloquent, and driven man. As if Trumbo knows only how to do one thing – write. He is ably supported by his castmates, all of whom deliver fine work. John McNamara’s screenplay credibly examines what those with power do against people they disagree with. It is also an analysis of the length people will go to survive against these people with great power.

“…credibly examines what those with power do against people they disagree with.“

I am not a communist, and although I’m afraid I ideologically have to disagree with Trumbo and his compatriates, I do understand the danger of power and the danger of playing politics in a public arena. It is hard not to watch Trumbo and liken it to the public vilification that people suffer through on social media, no matter if they are a celebrity or not.

Trumbo is a real-life cautionary tale told with care and passion. Both the actual story and the movie should serve as a warning that history can repeat itself, and our freedom of speech is always in jeopardy.