A solid narration, both direction- and performance-wise

Rating: 8/10 (9 January 2015)

Stories about famous scientists tend often towards aridity due to non- versatility of persons and complexity of the field, sometimes accompanied by sophisticated terms and equipment, but skillful directors and screenwriters find always an angle to emanate from, and competent choice of actors draws up an interesting creation to be enjoyed by people of different ages and social strata.
It was the case with e.g. A Beautiful Mind, and now with the film in question, where the "conglomeration" Tuldym/Moore/Cumberbatch has generated a real masterpiece. In spite of complex time and references to atypical sexuality, the scenes pass smoothly, delicately, without moralising or providing stringent assessments. And Benedict Cumberbatch has excelled again; well, I have watched most of the films with his presence and I can't say he is "better" here - he is always great, sometimes the material is weaker perhaps, but his Hawking or van Gogh or Assange or Holmes have been splendid as well. As regards other actors, I liked the performances of Mark Strong and Charles Dance more than that of Keira Knightley; yet, she performed well, but her looks differed a lot from the real Joan Clarke's. But The Imitation Game is still a film largely based on real personalities and events.
All in all, a good film, hopefully paving the way for Oscar nominations at least. Cumberbatch is definitely ready for this Award! :)