TRUMBO

 

SHOWTIMES

 

This documentary film chronocles the life and times of Colorado born and raised Dalton Trumbo (1906-1971). In the 1940’s he was the highest paid writer of Hollywood movies (Exodus, Spartacus, Roman Holiday). In his private and professional life he was a true apostle and fighter for the unfettered political freedom of the individual. The written word was primary weapon employed with a wit that could be gentle but also abrasive as J. Parnell Thomas of the House Un-American Committee learned. Performers reading selections of Trumbo’s work include Michael Douglas, Joan Allen, Liam Neeson, Donald Sutherland, Nathan Lane, David Straithairn, and Paul Giamatti. In the 1950’s he was one of the blacklisted Hollywood Ten, who spent a year in prison for refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committees in their drive to save America from the Reds. One of the most moving film’s segments is the impact on Trumbo’s loving family life. Trumbo’s life and work exemplifies the threat to freedom of the individual as represented in George Orwell’s nightmarish Big Brother 1984. Trumbo as a witness, before an audience of Hollywood notables, in a calm manner that produced near Committee apoplexy held the floor by his persistent questioning Why are you asking me these questions about my presonal political beliefs and based his refusal to cooperate not on the Fifth Amendment right on self incrimination but on his First Amendment rights of free speech. - Vic Skolnick, CAC Co-director

USA, 2007, 90 mins.