A Brilliant, Sensitive Character Study of a Brilliant, Ostracized Man

Rating: 8/10 (22 January 2015)

Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)
Rating: 3.9/5 stars
In a nutshell, "The Imitation Game" is a moving tribute to an extraordinary man. It both brings to life and pays tribute to Turing's history-altering and pioneering work that paved the way for modern computing, with nearly every moment infused with apt and appreciable importance.
During the winter of 1952, British law enforcement officials entered the home of mathematician, cryptanalyst, and war hero Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) to investigate a reported burglary. They instead ended up arresting Turing himself on charges of 'gross indecency', an accusation that would lead to his devastating conviction for the criminal offense of homosexuality - little did officials know, they were actually incriminating the pioneer of modern-day computing. Famously leading a motley group of scholars, linguists, chess champions, and intelligence officers, Turing was credited with cracking the so-called unbreakable codes of Germany's World War II Enigma machine - a credit that was never came to light until years later because the government had decided to keep the operation covert even after the war was over. An intense and haunting portrayal of a brilliant, complicated man, "The Imitation Game" follows a genius who under nail-biting pressure helped to shorten the war, and in turn, saved thousands of lives. If you don't know who mathematician Alan Turing was, then the film is a solid introduction to this complex individual whose discoveries were the foundation of the modern computer.
What could have been a very dry and earnest film emerges, under the intelligent dexterity and watchfulness of Norwegian Director, Morten Tyldum - working from a screenplay by Graham Moore - as a engaging and rather extraordinary story. As gripping as its awe-inspiring, Tyldum's deft direction goes a long way in building tension as Turing as his bunch of eggheads bond in a common cause against the Nazis, while Moore's layered, pithy, and crisp script captures the highs and lows of Turing's truly remarkable life.
The action here revolves around Turing tinkering with his machine, or simply thinking, which portrayed by an actor of Benedict Cumberbatch's caliber, is adventure of the highest order. He gives a performance that is, by turns, awkward, triumphant, heartbreaking, and, as a whole, superbly nuanced. Cumberbatch brings his immense talent and intelligence - and not too much glamor - to the socially awkward, notoriously disheveled Turing, imbuing the movie's protagonist with just the right amount of strangeness to make him endearing but not schmaltzy. Giving Cumberbatch fine company is Keira Knightley in the role of fellow mathematician and cryptanalyst - and vital cog in Turing's team, and at times even his source of inspiration - Joan Clarke. "The Imitation Game" is no doubt a mighty impressive piece of work, but a large chunk of that credit goes to Cumberbatch and Knightley's superlative performances.
"The Imitation Game" is a highly polished picture with beautiful acting. Beyond introducing the existential and technological ramifications of Turing's work, it tells an extraordinarily true story, and also reminds us how little we actually know (even those with the most power) about what goes on behind the scenes of international relations. The film is fascinating, uplifting, and sad all at the same time. With an outstanding starring performance from Benedict Cumberbatch illuminating its fact-based story, "The Imitation Game" serves as an eminently well-made entry in the prestigious biopic- drama subgenre.