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Plot, Details & Awards

Trumbo

Rated PG-13 for a sex-related commentary.

PG-13 In Theaters 06/27/2008 , 96min.
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Plot & Details

A documentary adaptation of the popular regional theatrical monologue -- in which such heavyweights as Paul Newman, Nathan Lane, and Joe Mantegna essayed the lead on various occasions -- Trumbo recounts the life and times of legendary Hollywood scribe-turned-HUAC scapegoat Dalton Trumbo. As with its source production, the film takes as its base material highly personal, detailed, and emotive letters written by Dalton Trumbo to his son, Christopher; the latter, in turn, molded the missives into a screenplay for this production. Here, however, in lieu of one actor portraying Dalton, a number of celebrities take turns narrating from the script, including Lane, Paul Giamatti, Brian Dennehy, Donald Sutherland, and others. As a visual accompaniment, the film intercuts home-movie footage from the Trumbos' lives; incisive interview material with Trumbo, his family, friends, and collaborators; and haunting glimpses of the HUAC trial hearings with the Hollywood Ten, led by Senator Joseph McCarthy; as well as extracts from The Sandpiper, Johnny Got His Gun, Spartacus, and other productions authored by Trumbo. Peter Askin, who helmed the stage play, directs.
  • MPAA Rating: PG-13
  • Genre(s): Documentary
  • Run Time: 96min.
  • Theatrical Release Date: 06/27/2008
  • DVD Release Date: 09/15/2009
  • Distributor(s): Samuel Goldwyn
  • Director(s): Peter Askin
  • Starring: Joan Allen , Brian Dennehy , Michael Douglas , Paul Giamatti , Nathan Lane
  • Themes: Filmmaking,Conspiracies,Miscarriage of Justice,Writer's Life,Fathers and Sons
  • Keywords: correspondence,home-movies,interview,scapegoat,screenwriter
  • Country of Origin: USA - Limited (06-27-2008)
  • Language: English

Awards

Toronto International Film Festival

Year Award CategoryCast & Crew Result
2007 Toronto International Film Festival Film Presented Nominated
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