The Imitation Game (2014) Review!!

Synopsis – During World War II, mathematician Alan Turing tries to crack the enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians.

My Take – As the opening scene of the film is upon us, we hear Cumberbatch say “are you paying attention”. Well, you should! This story of a great British Hero, mathematician, Logician, Wartime Codebreaker and father of Computer Science, the story of Alan Turing does deserve to be told. This film has turned out to be one of 2014’s most pleasant surprise. It works both as a gripping wartime thriller and as a fascinating biography of Alan Turing, the mathematical genius behind the breaking of the Enigma code during WWII, played magnificently by Benedict Cumberbatch, this is the film that is sure to set him up as an A Lister. The story follows Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), a mathematics professor in the early 1950’s, who has experienced a burglary at his home. Yet, when the police come to investigate, & suspect Turing himself. What the charges might be will follow all too soon but, first, Turing tells a story of his life to one of the officers. During WW II, Turing was part of the code breaking team trying to crack the German’s communication system, Enigma, which changed daily. Chosen for the job by a by-the-book Naval Commander (Charles Dance), Turing initially seemed to be anything but a team player. He’s arrogant, odd, uncommunicative and insists on being in charge.

This upsets those already on the job, including champion chess player Hugh Alexander (Matthew Goode). This is not the first time that Alan has had problems getting along. Flashing backwards, the film shows his childhood at an English boarding school, where he was scorned and bullied by all his fellow students save one, Christopher. The two became inseparable and excelled at all subjects, especially math. A tragedy changes everything, resulting in Turing’s further isolation. Back in WW II times, Turing does become the leader of the group, invents an early computer to help with the calculations of the Enigma code and earns the respect of the other topflight mathematicians, including Joan (Keira Knightley) on the team. He even becomes engaged to Joan when her parents want to withdraw her from the group, believing she will never find a husband. It can’t last, however, because Alan is gay and must admit this. The breakers DO conquer Enigma and help win the war. But, at the time of his arrest, homosexuality is a against British law. Since his work was top secret, no one knows how much of a hero he was and is and, in any case, they convict him. What happens at the end is very, very sad yet his tale is truly inspirational. The greatest feat about the film is that it makes Turing a character you root for and pity. Turing was a very anti-social, slightly arrogant man, who did not know how to deal with people all that well and who struggled with his closeted homosexuality for his entire life (which was against the law at that time in Britain). This film tackles themes of prejudice against the feminine, against homosexuality and more generally against anyone who is different. How? By simply pointing out, using the example of Alan Turing and his colossal achievements, that it takes someone different to do something amazing. Armed with one of the most intelligent scripts of the year, Benedict Cumberbatch has managed to show the heartbreaking humanity inside of Turing. He was the man who for whatever circumstances, was able to understand the laws of logic, math, and strategy, in order to solve a riddle that would lead to saving many human lives and ending one of the worst catastrophes civilizations has endured. It looks like this role is a sure shot nomination for an Oscar.

Keira Knightley, as the feisty and fiery Joan Clark, is as loose and comfortable as I’ve ever seen her. Her role may not be as meaty, lacking the highs and lows Cumberbatch has, but she makes the most of her relative sparing use, becoming the heart of the film. Thanks to her, their relationship is completely believable, given that Turing is a man who struggles with connecting to people, and the way she manages the choices her character is set upon is dealt with deft conviction. Charles Dance, Mark Strong and especially Matthew Goode are ravishing & get equal chance to shine in their moment. On the whole “The Imitation Game” is is extraordinary in almost all aspects. Masterfully told and encompassing an emotional complexity, director Morten Tyldum’s film is both engrossing and disturbing. It’s an impeccable thriller, taut and brilliant, exploring the horrors of war along with the choices that doom mankind for all eternity. Must watch!!