`Trumbo' shines light on writer's words

It's a clever approach to a complicated man.

Dalton Trumbo's words _ thunderous, eloquent, ribald and sometimes even tender _ provide the spine and substance of the documentary "Trumbo," about the blacklisted screenwriter.

Based on the play by Trumbo's son, Christopher, director Peter Askin's film features actors performing Trumbo's letters, with archival footage and new interviews sprinkled in between. One at a time, they stand on a stark stage without the aid of sets or props, looking straight into the camera, often in extreme close-up. The lighting is crisp and provides a disarming intimacy.

Some of them _ Nathan Lane, Brian Dennehy, …