A brilliant film about a brilliant mind.

Rating: 9/10 (17 April 2020)

This film is based on the life of Alan Turing, the father of the modern computer. He is a truly remarkable character, responsible for the era of technology in which we live and one of the most brilliant people of the 20th century. This film focuses mainly on Turing's effort, during the Second World War, to decipher the secret codes of German military communications, hitherto undecipherable. The film, however, also addresses the issue surrounding Turing's homosexuality.
As it was a period film based on a book, I was already expecting some mishaps to the true story, and it was unsurprisingly that I read some reviews where it was mentioned. But I am not the best person to evaluate this because I do not know the figure of Alan Turing in detail, nor did I dedicate myself to read that book to see if it shares the same flaws. But yes, I admit such possibilities and, given that it is a period film based on a true story, this is something that I personally penalize. I am one of those people who understand that, in these cases, freedom of creation must be well demarcated. Another thing I would like to understand better is whether the book, like the film, takes Turing's suicide for granted, since there were serious doubts about it at the time. Aside from these reservations, I had no major problems with the script that, without giving too much detail, sweeps the scientist's life very close to death, making use of the flashback to visit and present situations from the past.
Morten Tyldum ensures effective and competent management. He is a director I didn't know yet and who has been circulating more on television, but he did a good job. Benedict Cumberbatch, whom I only remembered seeing play secondary roles and the villain of "Star Trek Into Darkness", had his opportunity to show value and did not disappoint. He was devastating in the main role, complex and psychologically challenging character. The work paid off well, and although I haven't seen many of the films he came in after this one, seeing his filmography here on the website is enough to see how much his career has benefited and grown. Next to her is Keira Knightley, a veteran of period films, with an already solid career. Rory Kinnear, Matthew Goode and Charles Dance also did a good job.
Technically, there is little to say about this film. The filming and photography work was well done but the exquisite editing and post-production effort, with all those flashbacks, stands out particularly. The soundtrack, by Alexandre Desplat, is to be congratulated and remains a little in the ear after the film ends. The sets and costumes are excellent and I think they are faithful enough to the period portrayed.
Oscar winner (Best Adapted Screenplay) was nominated for Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Edition, Best Soundtrack and Best Production Design. Not being a perfect film, I think it was relatively close to that.