Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Trumbo is a biographical drama about screenwriter Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston), who was branded a Communist in the 1950s, served jail time, and was blacklisted. The movie offers a powerful, important history lesson for teens who might not otherwise know about this period. Language is the biggest issue, with several (but by no means constant) uses of "f--k" and "s--t," plus "a--hole" and "p---y." The main character is seen naked, but nothing other than his bottom is shown. There are also some sexual references. Violence isn't really an issue, but there is some arguing and shouting, plus a scene in which a man threatens another with a baseball bat, smashing windows and nearby objects. Expect lots of period-accurate cigarette smoking, and lots of whisky drinking (and pill taking) by the main character.

Sexual Content

Main character is naked, but only his bottom is shown. Some sexual references.

Violence

Arguing, shouting. A secondary character threatens another with a baseball bat, smashing windows and objects.

Language

Infrequent language includes uses of "f--k," "s--t," "a--hole," "p---y," and "Jesus Christ" (as an exclamation). Some ethnic slurs.

Social Behavior

Uses historical events (the Communist Witch Hunts, the House Un-American Activities Committee, the Hollywood Ten, and the blacklist) to raise issues that are important to remember and discuss, i.e. why it's wrong to persecute people for having unpopular beliefs or force them to choose between doing the right thing and protecting their livelihoods and families.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Regular smoking by many characters (accurate for the era). Main character drinks whisky heavily in the latter part of the movie and takes Benzedrine.