Review: The Imitation Game

In the last few years, the bog-standard best film nomination for the Oscars is usually involving a emotional drama based on a true story.

In 2014, we have this years attempt with The Imitation Game. Based on the true story of Alan Turing, the man who cracked the Nazi enigma code during World War II.

Directed by Morten Tyldum who has previously made films in his native language of Norwegian He has now fledged the nest to make blockbusters with a wider appeal to the big money-making market. He has created a methodical look to the life of Alan Turing before, during and after the war.

Throughout the film, we get a well structured and precisely made story about the ultimate un-sung hero of World War II. This tribute to his achievements will make people realise how much of an influence he has made to today's technology.

Whenever someone asks about The Imitation Game, you will instantly begin with the performance of Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing. His performance really shows us Turing's clinical, precise and surprisingly witty focus to achieve the impossible and crack the unbreakable enigma code.
His lack of social skills really shows when he asked to be part of a team when cracking the code, and we start to see the struggles this man has had in the past and eventually has after the war.

But what Cumberbatch manages to show that we did not know, was Turing's compassion for a few notable colleagues and his knowledge of love and relationships during the film that manages to be the key in winning the war.

For the performances, the entire supporting cast contributes when needed. Keira Knightley gives us her most refreshing performance for some time. Mark Strong remains a daunting screen presence, and we get an unbelievable debut performance from youngster Alex Lawther who plays Turing during his school days.
It is as if we are watching a younger Cumberbatch. The characteristics and mannerisms of Cumberbatch's are spot on and in many ways steals the show from Benedict's nose.

As for the rest of the film structure, the screenplay is well crafted and gives us enough depth to appreciate his achievements whilst portraying other interesting aspects to Turing's life. The pace is a romping one where I never felt bored.
The visual effects were satisfactory, but thankfully this is not a film dependent on its CGI. The setting looks perfectly fine for a film like this and the intensity is given out at the right times.

I can confidently say that this will get universal praise. It ticks all the right boxes in terms getting noticed in the awards season and it plays to the widest audience possible.
Cumberbatch definitely delivers his best big screen performance and is a sure-fire candidate for a Best Actor nomination. Whether he can win it or not, we will have to wait and see as there are hints of superior performances coming up in January.

The supporting cast contribute nicely, especially Mark Strong and the incredible Alex Lawther. The story is engaging, memorable, touching and it involves a character that deserves the recognition he never got when he was alive. This film is bringing the story of Alan Turing to the masses. I am in full support of it and I can see a lot of others doing the same.

Rating: 8/10