Bryan Cranston Brings Blacklisted Writer to Life in ‘Trumbo’

Sandra Miska

The darkest period in Hollywood’s history is being explored in “Trumbo,” a biographical drama about one man who dared to defy the oppressive authorities. Emmy winner Bryan Cranston stars as Dalton Trumbo, a screenwriter responsible for classics such as “Spartacus,” who nearly saw his life and career ruined because of his political views.

In 1947, “Trumbo” was among the Hollywood Ten, a group of writers and directors who were cited for contempt of Congress after refusing to testify to the House Committee on Un-American Activities. As a result Trumbo, considered the most radical of the group, and the others were jailed.

After serving 11 months, Trumbo comes home to his supportive wife Cleo (Diane Lane) and daughter Nikola (Elle Fanning), who has grown into a young adult while he was away. Although he is forced to sell his home and is now blacklisted by the studios, Trumbo refuses to give up his typewriter and continues, often in the bath, to write using pseudonyms. Two of the screenplays he wrote during this period, “The Brave One” and “Roman Holiday,” were recognized by the Academy.

At this same time, Trumbo is also hired for little money to write B movies for Frank (John Goodman) and Hymie King (Stephen Root), a pair of producer brothers who provide comic relief.

The cast of “Trumbo” also includes Louis C.K. as fellow blacklister Arlen Hird, and Helen Mirren as Hedda Hopper, a vicious gossip columnist who considered it her patriotic duty to out Communists and anyone she deems sympathetic to their cause.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cranston described life as a famous person:

“Being [famous] is almost like being a pregnant woman. People think they can just put their hand on your belly and tell you, ‘Oh, you’re going to have a boy!’ It’s like having a complete stranger fondling you. In addition, they have this sensibility where they feel comfortable coming up to you and saying, ‘You know that thing you did? I didn’t like that movie.’”

Jay Roach, the man behind “Austin Powers” and “Meet the Parents,” directed “Trumbo.” He recently completed the Lyndon B. Johnson biopic “All the Way,” also starring Cranston.

“Trumbo” opens in select theaters Nov. 6. Everywhere on Thanksgiving.