Very close
to the beginning of the film, Cumberbatch says “Are you paying attention?” and
if you are watching the movie, you should pay attention because the magic of
The Imitation Game is not in extravagant action or war sequences or special
effects but how people no one imagined of did the things no one could imagine.
More so, because the story of Alan Turing deserves attention.
At the heights of WWII, Nazi U-boats are causing havoc across the Atlantic and the allied forces are unable to decrypt the complex Enigma code of the Germans. Alan Turing and a group of people work on a machine that would be able to decrypt the Enigma code at Bletchley Park, UK. The Imitation Game closely follows the account of these individuals at how they face overwhelming odd, sometimes technical and sometimes personal in their pursuit to help the Allied forces win the war.
Director Morten Tyldum skillfully has also weaved in the storyline how Alan Turing, a mathematical genius and a homosexual faces difficulties in everyday life not only in hiding his homosexuality, but conversing with others and working in a group with often his intelligence coming in the way.
The movie packs punch
with its story telling and although there have been numerous alterations to
historical accuracy; the movie is beautiful in bringing out the tragedies of
Turing’s life. Alan Turing’s life takes the centre stage in the story telling;
his associations with various important individuals in his life, his difficulty
to socialize or be likeable to his colleagues, his desperate attempt to cover
his homosexuality and his desperation at life.
There are moments in the movie that make you feel sad and terrible and that probably is a very slight reference as to what Alan Turing had to go through in his life, especially someone who deserves to be called a hero.
There are moments in the movie that make you feel sad and terrible and that probably is a very slight reference as to what Alan Turing had to go through in his life, especially someone who deserves to be called a hero.
A stellar star cast and splendid performances are also noteworthy of a mention. Benedict Cumberbatch leads an ensemble British star cast comprising heavy names such as Keira Knightley, Charles Dance, Mark Strong and others. Cumberbatch puts in a splendid performance getting into the skin of Alan Turing to deliver one of his finest portrayals. No wonder he got an Oscar nomination.
Keira Knightley is full of energy as Alan Turing’s closest accomplice and romantic interest. She holds her own in screen presence opposite Cumberbatch and eloquently brings to life Joan Clarke. Mark Strong is menacing and grabs your eye balls in every scene he appears, something that we all expect from him.
I was skeptical as to how much I would enjoy Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Turing after he has become the face of Sherlock Holmes, but I can without a doubt say that nobody could have done a better job than him. The Imitation Game is a must watch not only because it’s a piece of history that defined how the war was won but also because Alan Turing did not get what he deserved for his services to the nation. Go and watch it to find out more about the great man’s life. Go and watch it to see Benedict Cumberbatch.
Dipanjana Pradhan
Msc.Media || PG:1
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