"The Imitation Game," is another Oscar hopeful this awards season that tells a complex story simply and beautifully. Director Morten Tyldum has taken the little-known, and formerly top-secret story of Alan Turing, and turned it into an inspiring and heartbreaking film.
For those not familiar with the story, which is probably a good majority since it was a government secret until recently, "The Imitation Game," tells the story of mathematician and logician, Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch).
For the most part, the film focuses on Turing's time at Bletchley Park (England's cypher and code breaking headquarters). It's also where Turing, and his team, helped the Allies win World War II by breaking the Nazi's Enigma code. They also, simultaneously invented the world's first computer.
It's an awesome story, and even more amazing when you consider the fact that outside of those directly involved with the operation, no one knew about it.
Sadly, Turing never received recognition for his work during his lifetime. After the war, he was convicted for gross indecency and took his own life shortly thereafter.
As Alan Turing, Benedict Cumberbatch is inspiring. Turing has many ticks, not to mention an inability to exhibit modesty regarding his own genius. Basically, you don't really like him all that much all the time. Cumberbatch truly becomes Turing. It's a multidimensional performance that makes you care for Turing while still leaving some distance.
The ensemble cast of this film boasts some incredible talent. Kiera Knightley, Allen Leech, and Matthew Goode all make up Turing's group of semi-geniuses. It's an impressive group, and they all perform beautifully.
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