Trumbo Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sassy screenwriter trolls Congress, gets grounded, and then sneaks out to write hit movies under fake names, all while his wife is mad he’s always in the tub.

🍿 Trumbo: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Hollywood’s Golden Age and Political Tensions

The film opens in 1947, introducing Dalton Trumbo as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid screenwriters. He lives a lavish lifestyle with his family, but his membership in the Communist Party USA makes him a target during the rising anti-communist sentiment. Trumbo, a champion of worker’s rights, finds himself increasingly at odds with the conservative elements within the film industry.

The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)

Trumbo and other Hollywood figures are subpoenaed to testify before HUAC regarding alleged communist propaganda in their films. They refuse to name names or answer questions directly, citing their First Amendment rights. This defiance leads to contempt charges and blacklisting, effectively ending their careers in mainstream Hollywood. Gossip columnist Hedda Hopper becomes a powerful antagonist, using her influence to fuel the anti-communist fervor.

Life After the Blacklist

After serving time in prison, Trumbo is blacklisted, making it impossible for him to find work under his own name. He resorts to writing screenplays under pseudonyms, selling them on a black market. This arrangement strains his relationships, especially with his wife and daughter, as he becomes increasingly consumed by his work and the need to provide for his family.

Breaking the Blacklist

Despite the challenges, Trumbo continues to write, eventually winning two Academy Awards under pseudonyms. In 1960, actor Kirk Douglas and director Otto Preminger publicly credit Trumbo as the screenwriter for their films, Spartacus and Exodus, respectively. This act of defiance effectively ends the Hollywood blacklist, allowing Trumbo and other blacklisted writers to rebuild their careers.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston): A talented and outspoken Hollywood screenwriter who is blacklisted for his communist beliefs and fights to restore his career and reputation.
• Cleo Trumbo (Diane Lane): Dalton’s loyal wife who supports him through the blacklist but struggles with the strain it puts on their family.
• Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren): A powerful and influential gossip columnist who leads the charge against Trumbo and other suspected communists in Hollywood.
• Arlen Hird (Louis C.K.): A fellow blacklisted screenwriter and friend of Trumbo who has more radical political views and a cynical outlook.
• Edward G. Robinson (Michael Stuhlbarg): A famous actor and friend of Trumbo who is pressured to cooperate with the HUAC to save his own career.
• John Wayne (David James Elliott): A staunchly anti-communist actor who publicly opposes Trumbo and his allies in Hollywood.
• Kirk Douglas (Dean O’Gorman): A courageous actor and producer who defies the blacklist by giving Trumbo screen credit for writing Spartacus.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dalton Trumbo: “I am offering you the opportunity to perform a patriotic service: Go f*** yourself.” – Trumbo’s defiant response encapsulates his refusal to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee.
• Dalton Trumbo: “They thought they were protecting America, and so do you. It stops when you’re persuaded that the other fellow is neither a murderer nor a thief nor a pervert, nor necessarily your enemy.” – This quote reflects Trumbo’s belief that the blacklist was unjust and born out of fear.
• Dalton Trumbo: “After what you did, they should have given you the electric chair.” – Said to his former friend, Edward G. Robinson, after Edward G. Robinson named names.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,857,741
• Worldwide Gross: $11,430,025

💥 Trumbo Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Trumbo! Bryan Cranston embodies the character perfectly – you really feel his passion and frustration. The scene where he confronts John Wayne is iconic! It’s amazing how relevant the film’s themes of free speech and political persecution are today. The humor is smart, and it really made me think about the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s difficult.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Those interested in the history of Hollywood and the McCarthy era”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances and thought-provoking stories”
  • “Individuals concerned with issues of free speech and political persecution”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Political discussions”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Historical context of persecution and injustice”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Bryan Cranston delivers a tour-de-force performance as Dalton Trumbo, capturing the wit and defiance of the blacklisted screenwriter. The film smartly balances the political drama with Trumbo’s personal struggles, making for a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. Helen Mirren is deliciously evil as Hedda Hopper. A must-see for film buffs and history enthusiasts.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Trumbo is a well-crafted biopic that sheds light on a dark chapter in Hollywood history. Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Dalton Trumbo is captivating, showcasing the writer’s brilliance and unwavering commitment to his principles. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Helen Mirren delivering a memorable performance as Hedda Hopper. A powerful and relevant film that resonates with contemporary issues of free speech and political persecution.
• The New York Times: “While Bryan Cranston shines as Dalton Trumbo, the film sometimes struggles to find a balance between the political and the personal. The supporting characters, while well-acted, often feel underdeveloped. Overall, Trumbo offers a solid, if somewhat conventional, portrayal of a complex and controversial figure. While the film does show some of Trumbo’s darker side the overall is a bit whitewashed.

Audience Reactions

Cranston’s performance is amazing: Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Dalton Trumbo is widely praised for its depth, wit, and charisma, making him believable and engaging.

The story is educational: Viewers appreciate how the film brings awareness to a dark chapter in American history, shedding light on the Hollywood blacklist and its impact on individuals.

Overall Consensus: Trumbo is a well-acted and engaging biopic that highlights the importance of free speech and the dangers of political persecution. While it may take liberties with some historical details, it effectively brings to life a complex and controversial figure.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bryan Cranston received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Dalton Trumbo, marking his first nomination for a film role.”
• “The film features actual historical footage and photographs of Dalton Trumbo, his family, and other figures involved in the Hollywood Blacklist, adding authenticity to the narrative.”
• “Director Jay Roach, known for comedies like ‘Austin Powers’ and ‘Meet the Parents,’ took on a more dramatic subject matter with ‘Trumbo,’ showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker.”

🖥️ How to Watch Trumbo?

Trumbo is available to stream on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. You can rent or purchase the movie from these services. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Trumbo, you might like these similar films:

• Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005): Examines the McCarthy era and the power of media, similar to ‘Trumbo’.
• The Front (1976): Also deals with the Hollywood blacklist and the use of ‘fronts’ to circumvent it.
• Guilty by Suspicion (1991): Focuses on the impact of the blacklist on individual careers and personal lives within the film industry.
• The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020): Explores themes of political persecution and the fight for free speech in the face of government overreach.

🛒 Trumbo Related Products

• Trumbo (Blu-ray): Own the captivating story of Dalton Trumbo on Blu-ray. Experience the historical drama in stunning high definition with special features that delve deeper into the Hollywood blacklist and Trumbo’s life.
• Dalton Trumbo by Bruce Cook (Biography): Dive into the in-depth biography that inspired the film. Discover the complete story of Dalton Trumbo, his writings, and his struggles during the Hollywood blacklist. Available as a digital download for convenient reading.
• Keep Calm and Trumbo On T-Shirt: Show your support for free speech and independent thought with this unique T-shirt. Featuring a clever play on words inspired by Dalton Trumbo’s story, this shirt is a statement piece for fans of the movie.
• Trumbo Movie Poster: Decorate your walls with the official Trumbo movie poster. Featuring Bryan Cranston as Dalton Trumbo, this high-quality poster is a great addition to any film lover’s collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Trumbo features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Drunken Father” – performed by Max Steiner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

TRUMBO | Official HD Featurette

Ever wondered what went on behind the scenes during the making of the fascinating movie ‘Trumbo’? This featurette will take you on a journey with the cast as they discuss their experiences and shed light on the intriguing life of Dalton Trumbo!

Bryan Cranston’s ‘Trumbo’ Is Personal to Joseph Gordon-Levitt

In this captivating clip, listen to Bryan Cranston and Joseph Gordon-Levitt discuss the personal significance of the film ‘Trumbo’, and its relevance to Joseph’s family. Their heartwarming conversation offers a fresh perspective on the movie that you won’t want to miss!

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