Dustin Hoffman and Kirk Douglas bear witness while Joan Allen, Michael Douglas, Paul Giamatti, Nathan Lane, Liam Neeson, Donald Sutherland, Danny Glover, Brian Dennehy, David Strathairn, and Josh Lucas perform monologues in “Trumbo.”
This long roster of some of movies’ most respected actors lends fitting magnitude to the biographical documentary of an industry legend forgotten by the general public. Through the life and career of one brilliant, cantankerous, bawdy and principled screenwriter, Dalton Trumbo (1905-1976), it recounts the harrowing history of this country’s Red Scare after World War II.
The man who would eventually earn Oscars for “The Brave One” and “Roman Holiday” — who also wrote, among others, “Kitty Foyle,” “Exodus” and “Spartacus” — was at one time considered a national pariah. He was, as it turns out, a self-sacrificing constitutionalist and true American original.
As a member of the so-called “Hollywood Ten,” Trumbo was persecuted by a congressional committee for standing behind the First Amendment’s free expression clause and refusing to testify or “name names” regarding his possible affiliation with the American Communist Party in the 1930s.
Yes, children, there was a time in the land of the free when your elected officials could interrogate you, have you blacklisted in your profession, deprive you of the means to support your family and send you to jail for having had legal but unpopular political beliefs in your youth.
“Trumbo” recollects that chilling fact.
As directed by Peter Askin and written by the subject’s son Christopher Trumbo, based on his play, the piece combines archival material, interviews and fascinating footage of the larger-than-life Trumbo speaking for himself along with dramatic readings by the famous actors previously mentioned. The excerpts performed come from Trumbo’s letters and other writings. They not only illuminate the dire particulars of the witch hunt, they also memorialize the artist’s unique personality, with its wit and warts and all.
Despite the high quality, this literate, well-designed documentary about him could just as easily be enjoyed on DVD. It lacks the visual dimension to require the big screen. But there’s no doubt “Trumbo” reminds us of the biggest of issues, our fundamental rights as citizens and the real need to remain vigilant in protecting them.
(Quick info: 4 out of 5 stars; Stars — Joan Allen, Michael Douglas, Dustin Hoffman; Director — Peter Askin; Rated PG-13 for a sex-related commentary; Running Time — 96 minutes)
