Director: Morten Tyldum
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Beard, Charles Dance, Mark Strong, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Allen Leech
There is certainly something intriguing and fascinating about the past, which is precisely why the filmmakers and the actors have always taken interest in biographical films or biopics, as they are popularly referred to. And since it is the curiosity and need to know more that drives our desire to watch biopics, the cine-goers have been lucky enough to watch some really interesting biographical films in the recent past. What's even more impressive is the fact that there are a string of films, nominated for Oscars 2015, that allow us to celebrate the past and rediscover popular physicists, authors, snipers,etc. So if 'The Theory of Everything' featured Eddie Redmayne as a physicist Stephen Hawking, 'Wild,' had Reese Witherspoon play author Cheryl Strayed and 'American Sniper,' featured Bradley Cooper as sniper Chris Kyle.
'The Imitation Game' happens to be another Hollywood project that allows many to delve into the past and also face it. Directed by Morten Tyldum, the film revolves around the life, complexities, relationships and achievements of mathematician Alan Turing. During World War II, Turing undertook the mission to break the code of Enigma machine which was used by the Wehrmacht. And the excerpt from Graham Moore's script, "Sometimes it is the people whom no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine" explains the Turing's extraordinary achievements in the most convincing way.
Alan, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, is most unwillingly hired by Commander Alastair Denniston to work with the country's mental giants in 1939 to crack the Germans' Enigma code which changes on a regular basis. If the movie buffs flock to the cinema hall for 'The Imitation Games' trust us it is only for Cumberbatch. He is absolutely convincing as Turing. And going by the performance that he has given, it is clear no other actor could have done justice to the role. Even though it appears a tad Sherlockian, his mannerisms, and the way he inhabits the mind of his character Turing, are powerful. He might be undiplomatic, upfront, and a lot different from his colleagues, but because his intentions are right, his arrogance doesn't annoy anyone except his commanding officer (Charles Dance). And the manner he revolutionizes the modern world and save many during World War II demands applause.
Even though the film moves back and forth in three different time periods, not even once will the viewers feel lost or confused. So whether it is Turing's good old school days, or his success at cracking the code when he was in the 40s or his detention, it all happens smoothly.
The script has taken liberties with the life of the protagonist. And if the film doesn't win the Oscar this year, it would solely be because of its script.
At a time (late 30s-early 40s) when a woman wasn't expected to perform men's work, witty math wizard Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley) surprises her male counterparts with the ease with which she solves the crossword puzzle to join Alan, and become a crucial team member. While Alan's schooldays shows him as an awkward boy, and later a workaholic, his scenes with Knightley are pleasant and memorable. It is interesting to see the way they interact. While Cumberbatch is a recluse, doesn't know much about social skills, Knightley is completely the opposite. Without her amiable disposition, Turing couldn't have been as effective.
The supporting cast - Matthew Goode, Mark Strong, Charles Dance, Rory Kinnear is equally good. Special mention for child actor Alex Lawther who deserves to be lauded for his efforts and ability to make the viewers get familiar with Turing as a schoolboy.
Director Tyldum ought to be appreciated for using World War II as the backdrop and employing codes, crossword puzzles, homosexuality, a bit of romance and an interest blend of a thriller and a biopic to make it more convincing. He succeeds at bringing a historical episode back to life.
Rating: ***1/2
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