The Imitation Game - Review - Spoiler Free - Oscars Countdown

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
Director: Morten Tyldum
Genre: Drama
Running time: 112 minutes
Certificate: 12A
UK Release Date: 14th November 2014
Ratings:
                 Acting:      9/10
             Directing:      9/10
                      Plot:     7/10
                Overall:      9/10

This movie is spellbinding. I could leave it there but I guess you are looking for a little more, so we'll dive into the plot. It is based on a true story and tells of the life of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) famous for his work at Bletchley Park during World War II, as well as his contribution to artificial intelligence and computing. An unusual person, and bonafide genius, his personal and professional lives collide in 1950s Britain.

On the surface this film doesn't look very exciting, in truth I approached it with a little trepidation as it looked very heavy in content, and as if it was made with 'Oscar' in mind. I couldn't have been more wrong. This movie was surprisingly funny in many places, captivating, excellently acted and well directed. I barely have a bad word to say about it for its form. However, there is a slight downside, and that's its accuracy. There has to be a certain responsibility from film makers when dealing with true subjects, and people going to this film with no prior knowledge are likely to believe it as a true portrayal. I am sure there are plenty of people who are completely unfamiliar with Turing's life and some, like myself, who could only claim a smattering of knowledge about Enigma and the Turing Test. The plot of this film is inaccurate. To explain too finely would be a massive spoiler but during the movie there is an accusation of a cover up that did not happen in reality, and this seems a little unforgivable when considering Turing's life.

This said, the film is engaging. Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley are both actors that I have not been a fan of in the past, but I was wrong again, they are both fantastic in their roles. The muted colours of the film reflect the austerity and remoteness of Turing's life, as well as setting the time period with an 'old photograph' feel. The movie cross cuts through time, moving between Turing's childhood, work at Bletchley Park, and later life, and it does so seamlessly and without confusion. Much of the more delicate matters of Turing's life are dealt with tactfully yet without avoidance. Overall I would recommend this movie to just about everyone. I haven't stopped raving about it since I saw it, and it is definitely one of my Oscar favourites for this year. Ignore the drab appearance and go watch it, it is interesting, informative, funny, moving, sad, captivating, inspiring and maddening. That's quite a lot of emotions for 122 minutes, you'll be getting your money's worth.