A Beautiful Mind meets The Social Network, A Brilliant Masterpiece

Rating: 8/10 (19 January 2015)

In The Imitation game Benedict Cumberbatch plays Alan Turing, the real life man responsible for cracking the Natzi Enigma machine. The Enigma machine was a code encrypting device that helped the Natzis communicate with what was then known as an unbreakable code. Alan is called upon by the British government's MI6 along with a crack team of brilliant minds. Alan is very quirky genius who rubs everyone the wrong way. Along with the way he brings on Joan Clark (Keira Knightly) to help, when he finds her in an open invitation puzzle contest he places in a paper. Alan and his team race against time to build a machine that will eventually crack the code and help allied forces triumph over the Natzis and end World War II. I have to admit this type of movie looked like something I would normally avoid. Something about British period pieces puts me to sleep. I am not a fan of Downton Abbey, can't bring myself to find it entertaining. I am also less than a fan of Benedict Cumberbatch, I used to find him odd and off putting. How does that guy have droves of female fans? I just didn't get it. I must now go on record as saying Imitation Game is a game changer for me. This film had everything you want in a great film; brilliant insight into little know bits of history that as of recently were top secret, smart funny dialogue, heartbreaking personal drama and brilliant acting performances all around. There is a repeated quote throughout the film "Sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine." I can't imagine a better performance in this role better than Cumberbatch. His social awkwardness and introverted portrayal of Alan Turing is transcendent. I am now sold on the brilliance of Cumberbatch. Together he and Keira Knightly make cinematic magic in transporting us to a very important and little know piece of world history. Without Alan Turing there would not be the modern computer we enjoy today. Plus we might all be speaking German. This movie at its roots is about communication. The coded, encrypted way we communicate as society. Most wars and disagreements stem from a lack of one side or another to communicating clearly. There is a lot to learn in the message of this film. The Imitation Game is nominated for best picture and acting nods for both Cumberbatch and Knightly, and rightfully so. This movie is a must see film of 2014.
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