New Dalton Trumbo biopic, Trumbo, sees Bryan Cranston in the title role as the blacklisted screenwriter crushed under the wheels of the state in 1940s America. Helen Mirren co-stars as a trash-talking columnist looking to expose any reds lurking under the bed. Any bed and any reds: she was an equal-opportunities smearer. Here’s a first look at Dame Helen’s character in action.
Trumbo tells the sorry chapter of American film history when, if you a Hollywood player and not drapped in the Stars and Stripes at all times, you were likely to be hauled up in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) committee and grilled about your political allegiances. In the worst cases – like Trumbo’s – professional exile resulted.
Joining Cranston on this one is Diane Lane as his wife (pictured), Cleo, with Elle Fanning as his daughter. Michael Stuhlbarg plays Edward G. Robinson and David James Elliott is John Wayne. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Louis C.K., John Goodman and Alan Tudyk also appear. Jay 'Meet The Parents' Roach was behind the camera on the New Orleans shoot.
Trumbo makes its bow at the Toronto Film Festival in September before heading to UK cinemas on January 22, 2016.