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This documentary recalls the life and work of screenwriter Dalton Trumbo (“Spartacus”), who succeeded in Hollywood before being blacklisted during the McCarthyism Era (due to alleged Communist propaganda in his work) and eventually wrote many more scripts under 13 different pseudonyms. The film includes archival footage of Trumbo (who died in 1976), interviews with his children and readings of his letters by actors including Michael Douglas, Paul Giamatti, Nathan Lane and more.

Big question: Can this doc, adapted from the play by Trumbo’s son Christopher, offer a balanced look at a behind-the-scenes legend and his rocky time in the Congressional spotlight?

Catch it: Turning Trumbo's letters into grand, theatrical monologues, the actors demonstrate the incredible power of language and the fierce sting of public scorn, both on paper and out loud. Though lacking a “Why now?” angle, the movie reflects the fun of crafting zesty prose and the pain of not being able to attach your real name to it.

Skip it: If you recently had a late, drunken night out and don’t want Trumbo to remind you that “words are lost on the air” and you often forget what you said in your last conversation. Ah, so true.

Bottom line: As history, "Trumbo" feels a bit isolated, and as profile it’s far from complete. But when we see the teasing Trumbo’s kids endured at school and the way he incorporated his own struggles into his later work, the film embodies the diverse collateral damage when political persecution trickles down to a family.

Bonus: One of Trumbo's letters, performed by Giamatti, indicates that while he’s going to hold off his payment to the phone company in protest, at least the pending balance gives them something to look forward to. Let us know how it goes if you try this one yourself.

Movie Trailer: