The Enigma puzzle and the enigmatic genius.

Rating: Null/10 (25 November 2014)

There is a film called 'Enigma' (2001), which is an action-adventure romp about code-breaking. It is a good film, worth watching, but perhaps a somewhat over-dramatised, and fictionalized, version of real-life events. 'The Imitation Game', whilst also using dramatic license, still retains much that is true, with few changes, to tell us a true story from World War II. It had remained secret until 1974. Film also puts centre-stage, Alan Turing, who played such a crucial part. As such therefore, this film, whilst having less action, is more down-to-earth and serious, and truthful, and thus is the better film.
The film opens with some very good early scenes, that convey well the upheaval caused by the outbreak of the war. The crowd scenes are nothing new, but as time goes by, it must be harder to get the period details correct. The opening scenes, have that authenticity, as well as conveying the great social upheaval of the war. Not so much exciting, but rather impactful and panoramic. Good filming!
Also seen in these early scenes is Londoner Benedict Cumberbatch, playing mathematician Alan Turing heading off for an interview. These early scenes, set the style for the rest of the film. Those fans of the TV comedy series 'The Big Bang Theory', featuring Jim Parsons as the obsessed socially-awkward genius Dr. Sheldon Cooper, will know what to expect, and will enjoy the comic similarities. Throughout much of this otherwise serious film, the tone is lightened by the behaviour of Alan Turing. Mr Cumberbatch may be playing a 'Cooper'-type character, but his portrayal is serious, and also so convincing, that we are utterly convinced that he is not playing, but is in fact, Alan Turing. The character is complex, the acting is of the very finest.
Another fine performance is given by Keira Knightley playing the leading-female role of real-life character Joan Clarke. This is the third cinema release this year, in which this reviewer has seen Miss Knightley. Previously she played the wife of 'Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit' and later the talented Miss Knightley gave a delicate and exquisite performance in the musically-themed 'Begin Again'. Whilst that was good, her performance here in 'The Imitation Game' is arguably even better. Both Miss Knighley and Mr Cumberbatch play characters trapped by social-conventions. They convince us of the reality of their situation, and a great plot, and great writing, show us the impact, reality, and resolution, of those said situations.
There is a good supporting cast, with strong performances from Charles Dance and Mark Strong. Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, and Allen Leech also gave good performances. It was good too, to see brief appearances by Steven Waddington, and Tuppence Middleton. It's always good to see Miss Middleton, as I have now, also for the third time this year. A brief appearance earlier in 'A Long Way Down', was followed by 'The Love Punch'. After her earlier lighter films, it is nice to see her get a small part in a serious film. Last, but by no means least, young Alex Lawther gives a performance that is truly outstanding. His role is an essential part of the film, and he plays his character so that it fits seamlessly into the rest of the film.
My one gripe with this film, is it's non-chronological style. I am not a fan of this style, but although I can see why it was done, I still think it unnecessary. It delivers some exposition and a nice little understanding of an element of the story, but in reality, it is not essential. Chronology would still deliver the same impact. I assume the film-makers wished to concentrate on the life of Alan Turing rather than the Enigma story. The film title suggests this and refers partially to his AI test of computer v human.
Alan Turing made an important contribution to science with his machines, one that is our legacy still in the computer-age present-day. There is now a museum, that is open to the public at Bletchley Park. The film glamourized the life led then. In reality, people worked long hours, girls collapsed from overwork, no talking was the rule.
It is estimated that their work shortened the war by 2-4 years. War-time British Prime-Minister Winston Churchill said 'Ultra' was of the utmost importance in winning the war. The work started by Alan Turing eventually morphed from WWII Bletchley to GCHQ. Alan Turing was awarded an OBE in 1945 for his work. However his work remained secret. He wrote two papers; one on probability, the other on statistics of repetitions, both only released in 2012, they were that important, and thus that secret.
This film does not require it's viewers to be scientists. The science part is easily explained and understood. What we have here is an exciting film about scientists going about their work. It was an exciting time. It was war-time. The logic of war is shown in the choices made and the decisions taken.
'The Imitation Game' is rated in the UK as 12A for what are described as moderate sex-references. It is not a kids film. The subject-matter is serious. Whilst not an action film, this film does have scenes that show the reality of war.
Many ordinary people made great sacrifices, and worked very hard in their roles during WWII. Brilliant minds, like those of Alan Turing, also fought the war in their own most effective way. It was a time summed up best by Winston Churchill, when he said on the 18th of June 1940 "... if the British Commonwealth and Empire lasts for a thousand years, men will say, 'This was their finest hour.'"
This film tells the true story of John Turing, and other scientists. Their story was secret for many years. This great film salutes him, and them. As do we. 9/10.