The Imitation Game – Review

“Am I a war hero? Am I a criminal?”

A tragic, yet heroic tale, the life of Alan Turing is warming and devastating. Masterfully portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, Turing is given the proper treatment in The Imitation Game. A film that makes the stand offish Turing undeniably human, and the task of breaking a code surprisingly exhilarating.

At the height of World War II, gifted mathematics professor and socially awkward Turing (Cumberbatch) signs up to break the enigma code, an unreadable device Nazi Germany is using to send their messages. Under the leadership of harsh taskmaster General Denniston (Charles Dance) and a Mi6 leader (Mark Strong), Turing and his team (Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech and Matthew Beard) build a computer to crack the code. Turing’s difficult personality rubs against those around him, all while he tries to keep secret his homosexuality, which is outlawed in Britain.

The strength of The Imitation Game lies in a terrific performance from Cumberbatch and a sharp script from Graham Moore. Moore doesn’t allow the film to get stuck by running it through different timelines. The link from the 1950s timeline isn’t particularly strong to the war time, but it allows the film to throw in a few surprises. Young Turing (Alex Lawther) does an excellent job carrying his scenes, which give important background.

This is the deepest, smartest performance I’ve seen from Cumberbatch. His ability to inhabit the idiosyncrasies of his characters and make them such an important part of his performances is crucial in this film. The restraint he shows when Turing prepares to speak is terrific and he holds a key presence in the film. Knightley does her regular Keira Knightley thing: making her character integral to the film but not taking over from the main character. Dance brings Tywin Lannister to the war effort and Mark Strong exudes a authoritative presence in all his scenes, perhaps coming from his immaculate dress compared to the sloppy mathematicians.

The Imitation Game works very hard to make Turing important, and with good reason. His contribution to winning World War II was immense, and the work put in place by Turing and his machines had a profound effect on the computer industry. The Imitation Game doesn’t hide his abrasive personality, rather uses it to sell the brilliance of his desperation to win the war. While his deteriorating years following the war and mental struggle with hormonal treatment could have been expanded upon, it’s not a major weakness. With Cumberbatch in charge, The Imitation Game creates a harrowing and strong biopic.

The Imitation Game

8.1 out of 10 – Excellent

Behind a smart script from Graham Moore and a strong performance from Benedict Cumberbatch, The Imitation Game tells a desperate story with delicate ease.