Based on the biography Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges, The Imitation Game is a historical thriller that not only will engage you intellectually, but teach viewers little known facts of the well known outcome of World War II.
Following the life story of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), who is credited with cracking the German Enigma code, The Imitation Game portrays the nail-biting race against time undertaken by Turing and his brilliant team at Britain’s top-secret code-breaking centre, Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of the Second World War.
It’s interesting to note that this film’s screenplay topped the annual Black List for best unproduced scripts in 2011 simply because it is in fact the script that propels this film. The true story alone is remarkable, but writer Graham Moore really keeps the story swift and light when handling such complicated, specific details such as Alan Turing’s machine, how it works and most complicated; how Turings mind operates.
Benedict Cumberbatch gives a superbly nuanced performance, portraying Turing with just the right amount of strangeness to make him endearing but not emotionally or intellectually unreachable. Cumberbatch brings immense talent and intelligence but not too much glamour to the socially awkward, notoriously disarranged protagonist. His nomination for best actor is validated by a clear portrayal of such a foggy, complicated man. To no surprise, Kiera Knightly is also quite good here. Bringing much lightness into an otherwise heavy film, her character rounds out Turing as human and a not the narcissist everyone perceives him to be.
At its core, Imitation Game isn’t great because it portrays a genius and makes us envious of his wit and intelligence. Instead, Imitation Game wisely highlights a man struggling with his identity and communicating himself to the rest of the world. His achievements are nothing short of brilliant, but his issues are as ordinary as the anyone else’s. If nothing more, Imitation Game displays no matter how smart someone is, or how different somebody seems, he or she is not perfect. At the end of the day, Imitation Game is a deep character study that deserves to be watched not only for historical value but the inner struggles of self identity and self worth.
There is something appealingly old fashioned about The Imitation Game, there’s no tricks or flares. It’s not dampened down with explosions or special effects. It leans on elements great movies should depend on, fantastic writing, actors who connect with their character and the audience. In many ways Imitation Game is throwback to the basics of filmmaking. It won’t make for a flashy trailer, but all the ingredients are present to combine for a fantastic journey that is infused with importance at every turn.
Do yourself a favor and see Imitation Game. Your time and attention won’t be wasted. In our present state of film, learning and being entertained simultaneously is a rare experience. Imitation Game not only offers you this but great performances and beautiful imagery as well. The Imitation Game is an astounding film and holds a righteous place as a Best Picture Nominee.
*ddileo 