Trumbo is a well made movie that probably will be more remembered for its performances, specifically by Bryan Cranston who received an Academy Award nomination for his great performance as Dalton Trumbo. Outside of the acting, though, I don’t think this was an especially memorable flick but well worth checking out.
Trumbo
(2015)
REVIEW NAVIGATION
The Movie | Special Features | Video Quality | Audio Quality | Overall
Genre(s): Drama
Universal | R – 125 min. – $29.98 | February 16, 2016
Date Published: 02/10/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE – 3.5/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: In 1947, Dalton Trumbo (BRYAN CRANSTON) was Hollywood’s top screenwriter until his and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs. Trumbo recounts how Dalton used words and wit to win two Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injustice of the blacklist, which entangled everyone from gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (HELEN MIRREN) to John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Otto Preminger. Quick Hit Review: Trumbo is a well made movie but will probably be only memorable due to some strong performances headlined by Bryan Cranston who delivers as the colorful Dalton Trumbo. The supporting cast also does well from Michael Stuhlbarg’s portrayal of Edward G. Robinson and Diane Lane as Trumbo’s supportive wife, Cleo. Helen Mirren is always great and has a small role as a gossip writer. However, for all of the great performances that go beyond these, I never found the film all that engrossing. I don’t know if it’s because this is a story I’ve seen many times before but I don’t think it quite lives up to some of the hype. That being said, the story itself, which is more about free speech than the idea of communism, has merit and I wouldn’t say isn’t worth at least a rental.
Trumbo is based upon the book “Dalton Trumbo” and was helmed, of all people, Jay Roach a name I generally associate with the Austin Powers and Meet the Parents franchises though his more recent work tends to lean political with the likes of Recount and Game Change. His direction here isn’t anything noteworthy but the film is well paced and the production and costume designs are both top notch bringing the 1940s to life. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 1.0/5 |
| This release comes with a semi-glossy slip cover. Inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. The features are a bit light with only two promotional featurettes, Who Is Trumbo? (4:02; HD) and Bryan Cranston Becomes Trumbo (1:59; HD). |
VIDEO – 4.25/5 |
| Trumbo arrives on Blu-ray presented in its original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio and a 1080p high-definition transfer. The video looks decent enough showcasing good colors and detail is sharp. There are no major instances of artifacts or aliasing making for a good looking if not amazing transfer. |
AUDIO – 4.0/5 |
| The movie includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offering up solid dialogue levels which encompasses the majority of the film. The rear channels are relegated for ambient noises and the refined score by Theodore Shapiro (St. Vincent, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty). As with the picture, I don’t think it’s particularly noteworthy but more than adequate for the material. |
OVERALL – 3.0/5 |
| Overall, Trumbo is a well made movie that probably will be more remembered for its performances, specifically by Bryan Cranston who received an Academy Award nomination for his great performance as Dalton Trumbo. Outside of the acting, though, I don’t think this was an especially memorable flick but well worth checking out. The Blu-ray released through Universal offers good video and audio transfers but falls far short in the features category. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.