Cumberbatch’s best acting performances to date, ‘The Imitation Game’ is a dramatic retelling of the life of Alan Turing, his role as a WW2 crypto analyst and the way through which the ‘Enigma Machine’ (a German encryption device) was cracked.
The film, although criticized for being somewhat historically innacurate, is still a brilliant watch. Even though it’s not centered around the front of the war, the film finds itself shrouded in drama and suspense whilst simultaneously acting as somewhat of an expository Britain’s best kept secrets.
It’s a gripping story that, when placed alongside the constant horrors of WW2 effectively places focus upon the importance of deciphering the machine. At the end of the day though, I believe it’s within the characterization of Alan Turing, where the film really makes it’s mark.
The film not only follows the decryption of the Enigma Machine, but the life struggles of Alan – as he copes with social ineptsy, a lack of companionship, and his battle with his sexuality (a theme that I believe should have been explored further in depth by the filmmakers, but I digress)
Clever editing is constantly throwing us between time periods, juxtaposing the glory days of Turing and his achievements with some of the lowest parts of his life. The film, in conjunction with the acting talents of Cumberbatch, does a phenomenal job of illustrating Turing as this extremely sour, arrogant and unlikable character, whilst continually stoking the audiences inner patriotic flame just enough that you’ll cheer him on anyway.
Time and time again, I found myself rooting for this ignatious asshole to crack the ‘uncrackable’ cypher… as much as I failed to like Alan’s character. This is not only credit to Cumberbatch as a phenomenal actor, however the overall writing of the film.
I think it’s within this style of writing is where the film really shines. It contrasts this magnificent war effort, with these 6 arrogant nerds sitting in a room – and does so in such a way that forces them to feel more impactful to the end of the war than the thousands of soldiers on the front-line (which becomes essentially true).
The writing is snappy and sharp, whilst still maintaining this consistent aura of secrecy. The set design furthers this, appearing as somewhat vague and mysterious whilst still doing a brilliant job of setting the scene.
Overall, I think the film is a great watch – especially for someone who is mostly unphased by a prioritization of gripping and dramatic story over historical accuracy, and although I think there are pieces it could’ve expanded upon, I still definitely recommend it.
