The Imitation Game

In recent years, there have been times that I would've purposely looked for a film to review that is based in pure fiction at its finest, however with all the films of late that are based on a true story and/or person, the fictional pickings have been more difficult to find. I know that "The Imitation Game" is based on a true story, but just from seeing the trailer on this, I had to see it and I'm a better person for it.

Cryptanalyst, Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), a pioneer of computers, led a group of mathematicians, namely Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley), Hugh Alexander (Matthew Goode), John Cairncross (Allen Leech), and Peter Hilton (Matthew Beard) at the Government Code and Cypher School in Bletchley Park, England to crack the codes of Germany's WWII Enigma machine. A genius under nail-biting pressure helped to save millions of lives and in 1952 was ultimately charged and convicted for the crime of homosexuality. This story was mostly told as a flashback toward the arresting Detective Robert Nock (Rory Kinnear) while he was questioning Turing. 

Others to round out the cast are Charles Dance as Commander Denniston, Mark Strong as Stewart Menzies, James Northcote as Jack Good, Tom Goodman-Hill as Sergeant Staehl and Steven Waddington as Superintendent Smith.

This was brilliantly directed with such pathos and passion by Morten Tyldum ("Buddy" '03, "Fallen Angels" '08, "Headhunters" '11). Even though I realize the expertise of Cumberbatch's ability to act, the way Tyldum was able to emit such passion out of his character as Turing was near perfection. I was moved tremendously by this man's commitment and passion to breaking this code. It was equally well written by Graham Moore based on the book, "Alan Turing: The Enigma" by Andrew Hodges. Going from one time period to another--1952 to early 1940s and back again without losing its audience can be difficult to execute, but Moore did so effortlessly. Considering that this is his first screenplay for a feature film makes his writing that much more accomplished. This guy WILL receive more work if he hasn't already. And what can I say about Cumberbatch? This near perfect performance simply says it all. He's an accomplished actor, but he absolutely shined in this-- no wonder he's garnered a Golden Globe nomination. He will definitely receive an Oscar nomination as well.

If one is a history buff, you will feel like you're in heaven, however even if history isn't necessarily your thing, the story, acting, directing and writing will certainly hold your attention during the movie and keep one thoughtful well after the credits end.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                               Rated: PG-13                               114mins.