Trumbo

Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston) is a well-established screenwriter in Hollywood. He has a loving family, a great house, and is a very talented writer. But some trouble is starting to stir up within Hollywood. Trumbo and a few other screenwriters are accused of placing Communist propaganda in the scripts they write. Trumbo is pretty quiet about his political views, but he is in fact a member of the “Communist Party of the USA.” Facing ruined careers, Trumbo and rest of the accused do everything they can to protect their jobs, families, and ultimately their lives. Trumbo learns some lessons and even is imprisoned for a while. But that does not make him change his views nor confess to adding the propaganda to his scripts. Ironically, this film about propaganda is a piece of propaganda itself. But how much truth does it actually speak?

The film’s “R” rating is mainly because of language. There are nearly 25 uses of both the f-word (used sexually as well) and the s-word. Both Jesus and Christ’s names are abused about 10 times total, and God’s name is misused about a dozen times (paired with d*mn on a few occasions). Other milder profanities include b*tch, h*ll, cr*p, p*ss, a*s, and a**h*le—all said about a dozen times total. One character is told to “go to h*ll.” There are also two references to “negroes” which could be offensive to some viewers. There are no sex scenes in “Trumbo,” but it still contains a fair amount of sexual content. A character uses the phrase “sex and money,” showgirls are seen in one scene (not graphic), and a man is seen in the bathtub on a few occasions. Only his bare chest is visible, though.

A man is strip searched by police, and we see him nude from behind. Another shirtless man walks around a film set, some women wear fairly modest bathing suits, a woman wears a low cut dress, and a reference is made to hookers. Crude sexual references are also made on a frequent basis. Vulgar terms for both female and male genitalia are spoken about half a dozen times. A few sex references are made as well. One character tells a very tasteless joke.

“Trumbo” is not very violent, as one character is punched in the face and another carries a gun. Both scenarios are when audiences are watching a movie. Dead animals are seen in a pool, and one character threatens another with a bat in a violent tone. He does not hit the man but smashes things in his office. There is plenty of smoking on display, and alcohol consumption also gets some screen time.

Bryan Cranston is a phenomenal actor and is quite believable in his role as Dalton Trumbo. Most of the other performances are spot on, and the lighting and cinematography are very impressive. The film has a great nostalgic feel to it. However, I am not a big fan of the script. It just does not appear to be tightly bound together with Jay Roache’s solid direction. The film is well-made but still feels a bit rough, empty, and long as it clocks in just over two hours. Some scenes of the film I did not find necessary.

“Trumbo” tells a unique story about a Communist Hollywood writer. Trumbo himself tends to neglect and be harsh with his family on many occasions and always places work before family matters. This doesn’t mean that he can’t be redeemed, though. Trumbo finally realizes how much his family was hurt by his neglect and admits his wrongdoings. Although “Trumbo” contains some positives to the importance of family, reconciliation, and forgiveness, there is one element that really troubled me. The harsh reality of Communism is never portrayed on screen nor referred to and is shown in a somewhat positive light as Trumbo fights a long-term trial with the Hollywood system. The Supreme Court almost appears to be the “bad guys”.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” —Proverbs 14:12

Communists are also viewed as victims, and Trumbo is viewed as a man fighting for a good cause. In other words, this film tends to subtly celebrate Communism, and Dalton Trumbo is seen as a hero. Sure, he never gave up and persevered through the harsh court trial. But he was also defending the party that we struggle to fight with this very day. Many are murdered, tortured, and imprisoned every day because of their beliefs. Was Trumbo involved in such terror? Probably not. But his story, in particular, may make viewers see a positive side to Communism. To this day, many agree that Communism is an evil political party that revolves around dictatorship and does nothing but destroy the lives of many.

“We must obey God rather than men.” —Acts 5:29

“Trumbo” certainly opens the doorway to misguide its audience by sharing a story about a strong-willed man. But there is much more to the story… much. I cannot recommend this film due to its use of obscene language and the positive messages it sends toward Communism. We may fight a war every day, but, as followers of Christ, we can be reassured that He will lead, guide, and protect, if we submit and place our trust in Him.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 4:19

Violence: Mild / Profanity: Extreme / Sex/Nudity: Heavy

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.