It is the year 1947, the McCarthy era, and thousands of Americans are being accused of having ties to the communist party. One of them is Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston), one of the highest paid screenwriters in Hollywood. As an unashamed communist refusing to testify to the House Committee on Un-American Activities, Trumbo is blacklisted and imprisoned. Upon his release from prison, Trumbo attempts to rebuild his career in a system that does not want him back.

Anyone aware of Bryan Cranston knows that the actor can embody characters in exciting ways. In Trumbo, he does it once again, completely becoming the controversial screenwriter. Surrounding Cranston is an impressive ensemble that includes, Helen Mirren, Louis CK, Diane Lane, Elle Fanning, John Goodman, and more. Rounding out the cast is Michael Stuhlbarg (A Serious Man), who provides an as usual excellent performance as Double Indemnity actor Edward G. Robinson.

Like many period pieces, Trumbo is a film that leans heavily on its actors. While the story of hand is interesting, and deserves to be told, there is nothing exactly exciting being done with it. It is great to see the ensemble at work, but there is little else to note beside the quality of the performances.

[star v=35]