With Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston moved from being a respected character actor to a household name. It's been two years since the misadventures of meth-chef extraordinaire Walter White came to a close, and in that time Cranston's actually been relatively quiet. Sure he had a small part in Gareth Edwards Godzilla, but for a man riding a career high wave, he's not been overly visible. Thankfully the trailer for Trumbo just landed, and not only is Cranston back, but he might be in the hunt for Oscars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0dZ_2ICpJE Trumbo follows the story of Dalton Trumbo, one of the 1940s most successful screenwriters. Trumbo was famously black-listed (like many other scribes) for suspected affiliations with the Communist Party. The film tracks his struggle against the allegations, and his attempts to resist the oppressive predicament through creative work. Few onscreen transformations have been as convincing, subtle and captivating as Cranston's on Breaking Bad, so we all knew his crack at prestige cinema was coming, with Trumbo representing his opening post-BB gambit for Oscar glory. The movie appears to adhere to a very tried and tested formula (rich artist loses everything, decides to fight injustice in the name of free expression), has a cast stacked with high-profile, familiar talent (Louis C.K and Helen Mirren are always golden though) but also crucially blends Cranston's ability to juggle drama with knowing comedy. His proficiency with wise-cracks in the bleakest of situations often elevated Breaking Bad, so hopefully the same skill can lend Trumbo a sheen of distinction. Surprisingly, screenwriters often make for engaging characters, despite their introspective profession. Don't believe me? Check out Barton Fink and Sunset Boulevard. Trumbo hits UK cinemas 22nd January 2016.
