We often imagine the sparkling lights of Hollywood as an idyllic World full of beautiful, talented and creative people, but Trumbo (cert 15a), reveals the true story of Hollywood’s worst kept secret. In cinemas now, Trumbo tells the tale of Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston), who was Hollywood’s top screenwriter until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs.
Trumbo (directed by Jay Roach) recounts how Dalton used words and wit to win Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injustice under the blacklist, which entangled everyone from gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren) to John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Otto Preminger.
Inspired by Trumbo, we’re taking a look back at some of the best films that took an in-depth look at Hollywood and the movie industry.
The Artist (2011)
The Artist is a 2011 French romantic comedy-drama in the style of a black-and-white silent film. The film starred Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo and received huge critical acclaim, even winning 5 Academy Awards. The story takes place in Hollywood, between 1927 and 1932, and focuses on the relationship of an older silent film star and a rising young actress as silent cinema falls out of fashion and is replaced by talking films.
The Bad and the Beautiful (1952)
The Bad and the Beautiful is a 1952 MGM melodrama that tells the story of an unscrupulous movie producer who uses an actress, a director and a writer to achieve success. Told in flashback form, the film charts the rise and fall of tough, ambitious, producer Jonathan Shields. It stars Lana Turner, Kirk Douglas, Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, Barry Sullivan, Gloria Grahame and Gilbert Roland. The film received an incredible five Academy Awards.
My Week with Marilyn (2011)
My Week with Marilyn is a 2011 British drama with a stellar ensemble cast including; Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh, Eddie Redmayne, Dominic Cooper, Julia Ormond, Emma Watson and Judi Dench. Based on two books by Colin Clark, it depicts the making of the 1957 film The Prince and the Showgirl, which starred Marilyn Monroe (Williams) and Laurence Olivier (Branagh). The film focuses on the week during the shooting of the 1957 film when Monroe was escorted around London by Colin (Redmayne).
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Sunset Boulevard is a 1950 American black comedy/drama film noir. The film was named after the boulevard that runs through Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, California. The film stars William Holden as Joe Gillis, an unsuccessful screenwriter, and Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, a faded silent movie star who draws him into her fantasy world as she dreams of making a triumphant return to the screen. Infamous gossip columnist Hedda Hopper makes an appearance playing herself. In a fun connection - Hedda also appears in Trumbo, with Helen Mirren playing the part.
A Star is Born (1954)
An American musical starring Judy Garland and James Mason, A Star is Born is acclaimed by many as the greatest Hollywood musical ever made. Garland appears in the Hollywood satire as a young up-and-comer guided by James Mason’s washed up movie star who is crippled by alcoholism. The movie was Garland’s chance for a comeback, but her public history of emotional breakdowns gave it a tragic air. The story has been reincarnated a number of times including a remake with Barbara Streisand in the 70’s, and a planned production with Beyoncé as the lead.
