Trumbo

       Bryan Cranston stars as legendary Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo who was blacklisted as a communist threat in the 1950's. Simply put, he is outstanding in the role.

       Directed by Jay Roach, the film mixes fictionalized scenes (based in fact) with archival footage to trace Dalton's life during this dark period in America when Russia was our greatest threat and the cold war caused rampant paranoia and fear. Mr. Dalton and hundreds like him were blacklisted, couldn't work and even ended up in jail.

         Serious in nature but still very entertaining, the film is a metaphor for issues still facing this country today. The supporting cast includes Michael Stuhlbarg as Edward G. Robinson, Helen Mirren as Hedda Hopper, Diane Lane as Cleo Trumbo, Elle Fanning as Niki Trumbo,  John Goodman as Frank King and Louis C.K. as Arlen Hird. They are a wonderful ensemble that bring the period to vivid life.

               The film however, is a triumph for Mr. Cranston. He's in almost every scene and embodies Mr. Trumbo in body and soul. This is a performance and a film, not to be missed.