Trumbo – American Hero

Trumbo (Bryan Cranston) is about an American Hero. Based on the life of Dalton Trumbo, the movie delves into what it takes to stand for your beliefs in the face of persecution. Mr. Trumbo was a novelist first and then later started writing screenplays. Many of his works were block-buster movies. Roman Holiday, Exodus, and Spartacus are just a few examples.

Because he aligned himself with the American Communist Party in the late 1930’s, The Hollywood Reporter blacklisted his work, which eventually led to the investigation by the House Un-American Activities Committee. He eventually served time for contempt of Congress, a charge that he said was true. Although persecuted, he stood by his principles at great cost. He fought with well-reasoned arguments, the power of the written word, and through sheer force of will.

The all-star cast, including Diane Lane, Hellen Mirren, Louis CK, Elle Fanning, John Goodman, and Michael Stuhlbarg, explore the nuanced facets surrounding the complexities faced by each of their characters. As the story unfolds, you find yourself empathizing with the plight they face. Each character fills in another part of the picture.

I would like to say that we, as a country and people, learned that persecuting others for beliefs and different opinions degrades all of us. However, one only has to listen to the distortions and lies that some of the presidential candidates spew forth to know this isn’t true. What we hear today is the same dangerous, short-sighted rhetoric that affected Mr. Trumbo. I recommend this movie to every American to watch before they go vote.

Trumbo earned its nomination in the Oscar’s best picture. The performance and the story are compelling. It raised many questions for me. Do I have such clear principles that I would make such a stand? Would I have the fortitude to face such a challenge knowing that it would negatively impact my family? I might. Such challenges haven’t come my way. Is it in the challenge that one becomes strong enough to face the opposition? Is the strength of character there before or because of the challenge?

I don’t have all the answers about why we fear ideas. I do know that many contemporary politicians scare me with their ideas. I can only speculate about the politician’s motives, but it seems that producing the vile speeches gets them attention and a following that taps into a dark hatred that many people have.

Like so many of the Academy Award nominations, it isn’t the fluffy, easy to discern topics that make a movie compelling. I like that I can go to a movie and have my beliefs challenged. Trumbo certainly did that for me. I wouldn’t attend so many movies if I agreed with everything. What’s the point of surrounding yourself with only things that you agree with? If I never allow myself to critically analyze my positions, do I ever really know where I stand on a topic? Because Trumbo caused me to dig deeper into my own beliefs, I consider it a terrific movie.

What did you think about the movie? Please take a minute to add your thoughts in the comments.

Thoughts about Trumbo,
According to Jack!