“The Imitation Game” thrills with a terrific cast, well-written script

Aaron Schwab
Staff Writer

Most people only know of World War II as a clash of world powers. But “The Imitation Game” uncurls the darker, hidden secrets behind the scenes of the infamous conflict that drastically altered the outcome of the war.

Directed by Morten Tyldum in his English-language debut, “The Imitation Game” looks at a man’s life during, before, and after war. The story revolves around the real life story of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbach), the leader of the code-breaking team that intercepted covert German messages during the war. The film effectively unfolds Turing’s great achievements, his most-closely hidden secrets, and how they inspired his accomplishments.

The film begins early in WWII; America has yet to join the British-Soviet alliance, and England is an island nation 600 miles from Germany on the brink of starvation and surrender. Turing is recruited with the best minds in the nation to try and break the complex, massively advanced German code known as Enigma. However, the discovery of his homosexuality ends up ruining his public image, career and life.

“The Imitation Game” contains a better biopic than most with the strength of its cast and script. With a combination of historical accuracy and Hollywood dramatization, the film adds an entertaining twist to the real super of the underdog of WWII.

As Turing, Cumberbatch is admirable, and he plays the smartest man in the room, arrogant yet with the intellectual skills to back that arrogance up. Cumberbatch also successfully conveys the way Turing responds to the conflicts and challenges of the job, through unwavering vigilance.

“The Imitation Game” also offers a blistering critique of society then and now. The filmmakers strongly asserts upon the audience that if Turing had been discharged out of the war effort for being gay before his work was done, then the war would have gone much differently; the conflicts that Turing faces show how far society has developed.

Using a brilliant script and acting, the film provided a firsthand view of what took place behind the scenes during the war. It also draws an emphasis on the societal outlook about sexual orientation, and ancient based morals. “The Imitation Game” succeeds in captivating the audience and placing them into the life of a war hero.

“The Imitation Game” is rated R and now playing in theaters nationwide.