But when a film like this is getting awards buzz, it definitely got my attention.
Even with a conventional structure to the narrative, I felt pretty entertained and was quite satisfied with a very pleasantly told story.
It tells us a very interesting story about the film industry during the 1940's that definitely needs to be told. Especially at a time when the industry nowadays is showing similar signs of that time right now.
There are plenty of positives. It explains the story pretty well and moves along at a nice pace that everyone can get on board with. One thing that I was surprised to experience, was the amount of laughs it got out of me throughout. The comedy is very good, especially for fans of film history.
The stellar cast gives us great performances that give them all at least one scene stealing moment. Bryan Cranston was great as the lead character. You definitely feel you were watching Trumbo and not Cranston. Helen Mirren plays one evil little thing and plays it so well. Elle Fanning was great for the short time she had on screen. John Goodman made me remember how much we need more of him. Especially after one brilliant scene involving a baseball bat.
So many other notable performances by the hugely underrated Mark Stuhlbarg, the always gorgeous Diane Lane, Roger Bart and Christian Berkel.
Two performances I had to mention were David James Elliott and Dean O'German for their great portrayals of John Wayne and Kirk Douglas.
The negatives strangely relate to the positives. The good stuff I'm afraid just is not strong enough to be seen as a great film. It does nothing extraordinary in terms of the story telling. That is just my demanding side coming out.
I would have liked the story go in more detail with the events going on within the film industry rather than focusing on the protagonists family. But I think that was expected as we see that in a lot of biopics.
I'll even be cruel and say that at times it does feel like a TV movie. That is not always a bad thing as there are a few exceptions, just like this one.
Trumbo shows us a story that we should definitely check out and I think it was portrayed in a very safe way that can appeal to the masses.
There is a lot to like. The story is interesting, well written and has solid funny moments from a stellar cast. But I think with the good stuff not being strong enough is the reason why is not as involved with the other awards contenders. You could say it lacked substance. But overall, it is a very pleasant movie that has great performances and tells a very interesting story that affected the film industry in a big way.
Cranston is worth the Oscar nomination as he is a fantastic lead and gives quite a transformation into one of Hollywood's greatest screenwriters.
Rating: 7/10
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