by Robbie Jones
You know that feeling when you start to like an actor you’ve been hating on for years?
I fucking do. (Ed: Yes, you fucking do.)
Yes, over a year I spent trashing Benedict Cumberbatch every chance I got, but it just had to stop once I saw his stunning turn in The Imitation Game. The Sherlock star plays Alan Turing, a mathematician hired to crack the Enigma code, which the Germans used in radio transmissions during World War 2, and end the war. Turing is difficult to work with, and quite infuriating at times, but he’s their best shot at success.
You know that feeling when you start to like an actor you’ve been hating on for years?
I fucking do. (Ed: Yes, you fucking do.)
Yes, over a year I spent trashing Benedict Cumberbatch every chance I got, but it just had to stop once I saw his stunning turn in The Imitation Game. The Sherlock star plays Alan Turing, a mathematician hired to crack the Enigma code, which the Germans used in radio transmissions during World War 2, and end the war. Turing is difficult to work with, and quite infuriating at times, but he’s their best shot at success.
This is such an incredible true story; as someone who doesn’t know a lot about World War 2, this was completely fascinating and exceptionally interesting. We know the outcome of the war and yet it’s still nail biting to watch Turing and his team face the odds. Aside from the war, the story of Alan Turing is quite heartbreaking; before the film’s release, it was fair to say he was extremely underappreciated for his work, and condemned quite ridiculously. The film explores Alan’s childhood, and it’s pretty damn emotional. Cumberbatch does a wonderful job of bringing this hero to life, in one of his best performances yet. He is absolutely invigorating and absorbing. But to be honest, the whole cast is utterly fantastic, especially Matthew Goode, Mark Strong and Keira Knightley, who earned a well deserved Oscar nomination for her stunning turn as Joan Clark.
Most importantly, this film gives Alan Turing the justice he deserves; Turing was pardoned The Imitation Game by the Queen in 2013, but that’s just bullshit really. We all know he deserves a much higher honour, and if it won’t be given to him officially, this film does an excellent job of cementing his legacy. Young generations (Myself included) now know who Turing is, they know how important he is, how wrongly he was treated, and how grateful we should be that he existed. An extraordinary man, and now thankfully one who will never be forgotten.
Most importantly, this film gives Alan Turing the justice he deserves; Turing was pardoned The Imitation Game by the Queen in 2013, but that’s just bullshit really. We all know he deserves a much higher honour, and if it won’t be given to him officially, this film does an excellent job of cementing his legacy. Young generations (Myself included) now know who Turing is, they know how important he is, how wrongly he was treated, and how grateful we should be that he existed. An extraordinary man, and now thankfully one who will never be forgotten.
This film is a staple of British drama with a Swedish director at the helm. Tyldum’s direction is beautiful. Alongside the poignant and sensitive focus is this Oscar winning script (Graham Moore is simply wonderful, and his speech encouraged us all) and stunning cinematography. It is without a doubt one of the most engaging films of recent years, especially if you’re not clued up on the subject. If, like me, history isn’t your strong suit, then take a seat and prepare yourself for an epic learning experience. It almost plays out like a normal drama when you don’t know what’s going on, but it’s an important story and one that we all need to know.
Overall, The Imitation Game didn’t exactly go on to major glory, but it’s an astonishing film no less. It’s as entertaining as it is informative, and will leave you reeling with its stunning cast. If you only buy one film this week, make sure it’s this one. You won’t regret it.
Overall, The Imitation Game didn’t exactly go on to major glory, but it’s an astonishing film no less. It’s as entertaining as it is informative, and will leave you reeling with its stunning cast. If you only buy one film this week, make sure it’s this one. You won’t regret it.
What Do You Think?
Read our Essentials on Mark Strong,Keira Knightley and Benedict Cumberbatch
As well as these lesser known Cumberbatch films!
The Imitation Game is out on DVD now
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