A complex character drama that is also an expert thriller

Rating: 10/10 (20 March 2015)

I must admit that upon hearing of this film's existence and who was slated to play Alan Turing that a sort of heavy sigh came to me. I thought this was going to be no more than Oscar bait tripe that plagues the theaters every November. 'The Imitation Game' though really delivers as does it's star the controversial polarizing Benedict Cumberbatch. This movie is multi-faceted and greatly respects Alan Turing. It doesn't try to needlessly or condescendingly canonize him for the sake of cheap dramatic effect. This movie realizes that Turing was brilliant but also very human. How refreshing is that when films like 'The Theory of Everything' come out the same year? The movie isn't just about Turing the man however, it's about Alan Turing's work. This may be the most thrilling aspect of the film.
Benedict Cumberbatch has received both love and hate. It can be argued that he merely plays the same type of role, mirrors of his 'Sherlock'. On paper the genius Alan Turing may seem more of the same. He's not. This performance is essential in assessing Cumberbatch as an actor because I think it is so similar to the Cumberbatch 'type' and yet it's worlds away. Cumberbatch's Turing has all the intelligence of 'Sherlock' but none of the self- confidence, none of the edge. This is Cumberbatch portraying someone who is very vulnerable who has to try all the harder to get that edge out. Cumberbatch oozes charisma in his other projects and in his interviews and off screen persona. His Turing lacks all of that. It makes the triumphs and tragedies of this story all the more personal and painful. The story isn't only about Turing's homosexuality and the grave injustice done upon him. It serves as a central part of the character but it is not the only part. Cumberbatch and writer Graham Moore create a character that is so likable and real because he has such intelligence and power but is so alien and afraid.
Turing's work is the focus of this film and it's exploration is by far the best thing about it. I know that might sound odd but I admire this movie more as a first rate war thriller than as a biographical study of Alan Turing. Taking Alan Turing and his work in cryptanalysis and mathematics and translating them into a narrative is a tall order. What Director Morten Tyldum and Graham Moore do is add such incredible stakes to the whole thing. It is stressed how important everything is and the lives that are at stake. We feel as if everything is life or death and that this code breaking is just as important to the war effort as storming the beaches. Creating that sort of presence with a film that takes place largely in confined rooms is not easy. It takes great writing, directing and acting to do this. The film is tense and thrilling.
This film makes Alan Turing assessable and real to an audience. He isn't some super human or a label. He's an intelligent human being who used his intellect for good in war time. This approach respects Turing's memory and legacy and gives the audience a look at a fascinating historical figure in a way that is exciting. Highly recommended.