The Imitation Game: Who Ever Loved Ordinary?

Rating: 8/10 (14 January 2015)

The Imitation Game is a striking film, a masterfully made film, and a film that was cowardly in its promotion.
We need films about the horrific way gay individuals, especially men, were treated in times not all that long ago. We need these films more than another burly combat film, or another edge-of-your- seat action flick, or another battle focused tall tale. I am confused by critics who say this film did not portray Turing's homosexuality enough, it is prevalent, the more steadfast theme than any other. I am left to assume many have only watched the trailers and not the entire film.
This movie, represented as a war/spy/thriller type foray, is a film primarily about a genius of a man, comprised of so much more than what he was attracted to, who's life is mangled bit by bit, and finally ended, by his homosexuality. It could be seen as dancing around this point for the first third (though not a light dance, more a loud and aggressively obvious lindy hop) and then showcases it. I respect the film for its open exploration in the life of an individual who was torn down by disgusting bigotry and fear others had for those out of the "norm", and while I cannot help but feel the film ranked Turing's sexuality above his genius, an occasionally irksome decision, it is an understandable path on a social level, and one I deem necessary.
The acting is superb, Cumberbatch is occasionally accused of playing the same role over and over and I have seen such said in relation to this film, but Alan is not a role. He was a living, breathing, fascinating individual that Cumberbatch captures with as much subtle but spot on accuracy as he could muster. Every actor in this film was well chosen, there is an easy chemistry between all involved, a refreshing change from many films.
You do not have any excess of love for any of the individuals represented, Turing included, but they are profoundly human in their sufferings and their victories. This film is not one dimensional and it does not bow down to the humans that inspired it, nor does it need to. There are even surprising, if somewhat brief, moments of humour throughout, saving it from becoming droll, preachy, or alienating.
There's always the big question: Does this movie have, as so many are calling it, an "agenda"?
Yes, it does. This isn't the film many people were hoping it would be, it is not action packed, it is rarely tense, but it is deeply affecting. I know without a doubt that a good percentage of individuals that went to see this film were hoping for something polar opposite from what they got, but I like to think that those individuals had their eyes opened to something arguably, at this point, more important than another film about "taking d0wn HitLer!!11/1!" or battlefield glory. This film is not about the war, it is about the man that strayed outside of any socially acceptable life and changed the world. It is undeniable that the focus on him could be considered cloying, but it can be forgiven in the overall picture.
I recommend this movie wholeheartedly, be you a mere fan of Cumberbatch, a Turing aficionado, or just looking for a film to immerse yourself in when you have little else to do. It is not perfect, I will make no claim to that, but it grabs you. It is not overwhelmingly sad nor is it falsely happy, it is human, it will make you think, it will open your mind to a variety of things, and maybe, just maybe, in one way or another, it can help better you. 8/10