The Imitation Game: An Intricately Woven Enigma of Intellect, Heart, and Human Drama

Rating: 10/10 (23 February 2015)

"Sometimes it's the people no one imagines anything of that do the things no one can imagine."
These words. They're at the heart of this film, and echo so profoundly, indicative of the indomitable human spirit. What can I say about The Imitation Game? What can I say to even do this phenomenal film justice? However can I capture the ways that this film has affected me so profoundly, inspired my heart and then shattered it to pieces in the same two hours. Even with all my prowess of description, and my talent with turn of phrase, this film is beyond words, beyond film even as it is so much more than a movie. I feel like John Keats when it comes to this eager attempt at review. I want a fairer word than fair, a brighter word than bright. The first word that rushed to my mind on impulse was, "Sparkling."
The Imitation Game is a masterpiece, a true cinematic achievement in both acting and storytelling. For me it was a fine symphony, intricately crafted, and masterfully brought to life. Benedict Cumberbatch has OUTDONE himself in the defining performance of his career, and without a doubt, the best ever brought to screen. He dazzles, delights, and astounds, effortlessly slipping on Alan Turing's shy, quirky shoes, and seems to feel so comfortable in them, giving us a performance for the ages. He plays Alan Turing with such conviction, such beautiful fragility, endearing him to our hearts. The audience can't help but feel drawn to this sweet, shy, oddly intriguing genius, affable and awkward, and we're ready to follow him on this incredible journey, completely unaware of the horrors that await our charming code breaker. Mr. Cumberbatch's prowess to shapeshift and express emotion is like Alan's exceptional mind for arithmetic, preternatural to the point of seeming BEYOND all human ability. I must stand and applaud for my mind has been dazzled by an effortlessly exquisite performance, and in the same two hours dismayed by a great and appalling injustice. He dons Alan's persona so aptly, so sensitively, with such reverence that even Alan's own nieces have said it was like having their uncle back again, a statement that is not surprising to me in the least. The care, the painstaking devotion, the relentless attention to detail, and the overwhelming admiration and compassion, Benedict has for this man is exuberantly evident throughout his performance, making this film a stunning tribute to Mr. Turing's life and legacy. I think Alan, if he were still alive today, would have been deeply honoured and incredulously proud of the extraordinary man that told his story with such talent, humour, intellect, wit and heart. Benedict gave Alan a voice, both literally and figuratively, and now at last everyone will finally recognize him as the War Hero and unrivaled Mathematics Genius he truly was.
The Imitation Game excels at every turn, flourishes in every aspect of film making. Benedict is matched perfectly with the beautiful Miss Keira Knightly who shines as Joan Clarke, and holds her own next to the effervescent acting powerhouse, Benedict presents. She's so sweet and lovely and full of grace and wit, playing the brilliant Miss Clarke, an intelligent bright-eyed young woman who far exceeds the men in their own profession. She's got such a quiet strength, such charm and a formidable presence, those quick dark eyes, seeing Alan as few people can, a friend, and a man who will one day change the world. Her chemistry with Benedict's Turing is instant, platonic of course, but still intimate in a way that she understands him like no one else can. The scene where Alan lies in order to protect her, but still hurts her so deeply, inciting a swift backhand, still stings........... Their friendship is so beautiful, and is the heart of the film, proving them to be a fascinating team, that I hope will find themselves in many more movies together. Matthew Goode also adds his own delicious talent and foil as Alan's enemy turned friend, Hugh Alexander, and up and coming Alex Lawther is so sweet and unbelievably perfect as the young Alan Turing, mirroring Ben's talent and adding his own signature to the role in a way that is almost uncanny. It's no wonder to me that this exceptional cast of beautifully talented young actors have been called, The Dream Team. The eclectic and cohesive blend of talent makes for an ensemble that is unrivaled.
One scene in particular, is deserving of an Oscar all on its own. The final scene. Joan goes to visit Alan after he's been sentenced for gross indecency, and undergoing rigorously erosive estrogen injections. He's so pale, and frail, unlike we've ever seen him. It's so hard to watch. This beautiful, kind, brilliant man has been betrayed by the country he so selflessly championed and triumphed, and now its infliction eats away and decays the genius mind that once proved its salvation. Alan's hands shake, the pain glints in his eyes so full of quiet desperation. Tears welling in those traumatized eyes, he turns away from Keira, completely breaking down, giving way to the heart wrenching sobs and cries out, "I don't want to be alone! Please don't leave me alone!" I absolutely lost it, and still sob so painfully no matter how many times I see it. There's something so poignant about that moment, something so raw, and unnervingly real, that strikes to the heart. It's not just Alan crying out those words, but Benedict himself, channeling his own heartbreak and anguish, making this performance all the more gripping and powerful. My whole life long, I will never forget those words, and the quiet, desperate way he said them.
Decades from now they'll still be talking about Benedict Cumberbatch's Alan Turing, and how it set the precedent for excellence in future film performance. So the question is............"Are you paying attention?"