Staff Writer
Already nominated for five Golden Globes, including Best Actor and Best Motion Picture,
The Imitation Game has fascinated audiences
around the world. The film follows the largely unknown story of mathematician,
Alan Turing. During World War II, Turing and a team of mathematicians and linguists
collaborate to solve the German’s secret code, Enigma. The code was seemingly
unbreakable, until Turing thought of building a machine, named Christopher, to decode
the messages. With access to every message the Germans were sending, Christopher
changed the course of the war and essentially created the first computer.
Benedict
Cumberbatch boldly took on the role of introverted Alan Turing. His intensity, focus, and emotion throughout
the film brought authenticity to the character, particularly when the British
Army threatens to take away his machine. Cumberbatch captured the fact that
Christopher meant everything to Turing.
Keira
Knightley took on the spunky role of Joan Clarke. Being the only female in a
“man’s business”, she made her opinions loud and clear. Knightley displayed the
perfect balance of intelligence and chemistry in the friendship between Clarke
and Turing.
The
costuming, music, and locations all added to the ambiance of Great Britain
during World War II. The creative eye of director Morten Tyldum, the biography Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew
Hodges, and the entire cast did a phenomenal job of honoring Alan Turing and
all that he contributed to the world of science.
Five
out of five stars.
