Every once in awhile, I’ll see a film or read a story or book that touches me in a special way and provides motivation to be better.  “Trumbo” is this year’s inspiration.

I didn’t know much, well, anything about Dalton Trumbo.  In fact, with a career that spanned nearly half a century (with some work resurfacing for the near future), I haven’t seen any of his work.  This is something which I intend to remedy soon, as this film was quite an eye opener to his talent, and how much the industry needed said talent.

I need to add that you don’t need to be familiar with Trumbo’s work or old Hollywood or the part Communism played in it, as the film explains everything perfectly.  Additionally, what happens in this film to the Hollywood 10 (screenwriters who were blacklisted for being Communists) shows many a parallel to issues relevant today.

[Side Note: While watching this film, I couldn’t help but think, “America sure does love a witch hunt.”]

Still, even if that doesn’t convince you, all you really need to know is that it has a top notch cast, starting with Mr. Bryan Cranston.  I was so terribly disappointed at his lack of screentime in “Godzilla,” but this more than makes up for it. In fact, I am sure he will be nominated for an Oscar, along with cast mates Helen Mirren and John Goodman.