Trumbo: Hollywood Ten Spikes Interest in Modern Day

Historical and time period films seldom include the complex, intertwining issues that create social movements within nations, between the parameters in which the length must bob within to the explanations too complicated for regular moviegoers to sit through and watch. Audience members like suspense, conflict, emotional interest, and most of all, resolution. These are all the basic dynamics of an engaging film, and Trumbo more or less possesses most of these qualities. However, the complications of battling oversimplification while holding the attention of paying customers is an eternal balance that producers and directors alike cannot ignore, and rarely succeed at.  

Trumbo, released in late November, attempts to link audience interest and cinematic suspense to historically significant and highly tense political events that took place in the United States in the late fifties. Positioning the audience smack dab in the middle of anti-Red sentiment and fearful atmosphere, the film delves into the issues of anti-communism and deep distrust of anything outside of American patriotism. The government plays as a big brother type that indirectly recruits and convinces the public to join in forces against evil, foreign ideals, and anything that is a supposed threat to the nation. Dalton Trumbo, along with other successful, respected screenwriters were brought to trial, an official stand against practice of political freedom, and blacklisted, and unofficial way of ensuring nobody was to practice political freedom. Through media such as films, conferences, newspapers, and magazines, individuals who were registered communists or suspected of supporting communism. It was through media, both misrepresentation and intentional installment of fear against the unfamiliar, that the majority was able to repress those who they perceived as disloyal and unpatriotic, therefore dangerous. The film brings us through the trials and the unsaid repercussions of standing for what you believe in, which included loss of work and the gaining of social pariah status for those in question. It wasn't only the screenwriters that were put to the test, but countless individuals that were demanded to come to Washington and testify as to what they believe and who they support. The audience sticks with Trumbo specifically as he goes to jail for this beliefs and his perceived image, loses opportunities for social connection and employment, and finds somewhat lighthearted, comical ways to produce work even though he has been blacklisted. 

Trumbo is only a glimpse into the witch hunt and distrust of the government and of society, especially when the nation was in a fragile state left from World War II and the Cold War. However, there are two sides of the spectrum of reason presented with films such as this. On one side, there's an aspect of knowledge and depth that films like this provide, whether they miss certain points or aspects or not. However, there is somewhat of an injustice done to the complex issues that aren't simple enough to be understood in a two hour film. The film does important, key work in bringing into light social issues that were an important part of America's political realm and life.