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EDITOR'S PICK
'The
Imitation Game' - a riveting biopic (IANS Movie Review)
Rating:
****
Based on a true story, 'The Imitation Game' is a tribute to Alan Turing, a man
who under nerve-racking pressure helped shorten World War II by nearly 2 years
and in turn saved a million lives.
Treated as a mystery film where detective Robert Noch of Manchester Police is
investigating a break-in at Prof Alan Turing's home, the non-linear narration
reveals the life of the enigmatic British mathematician and cryptanalyst and his
time with British Intelligence, MI6 outpost at Bletchley Park.
It is here that Alan's team helped crack the Nazis' unbreakable Enigma code with
a machine he created, that would become a prototype for the modern day computer.
Like any other biopic, it shows that Alan's life was not a bed of roses. With an
emotional jigsaw play of trust and betrayals, the script by Graham Moore is
adapted from Andrew Hodges' 1983 biography, 'Alan Turing: The Enigma.'
The film is a watered down version of Turing's short life, but nevertheless the
screenplay - taut, engaging and dramatic - has a plethora of poignant moments
along with life lessons that propel the tale forward. It offers ample insight
into the character of the mysterious Alan Turing.
With excellent production values, the story arc is as familiar as they come for
the biopic genre. The first half of the film sets in the intrigue quotient,
while the second half lingers on for a bit longer with some technicalities
involved since Alan is developing an 'Electrical brain, a digital computer.'
It's the final act with its sad and unjust revelation that feels a bit rushed.
The dialogues loaded with sarcasm and self-deprecation reflect the stiff upper
lip British humour to the core and keep you hooked.
Director Morten Tyldum has delivered a finely textured film that is superbly
crafted and tastefully projected with brilliant performances.
The film belongs to Benedict Cumberbatch and he portrays Alan Turing
beautifully. He dwells into Alan's complex psyche to relay the right amount of
cockiness and arrogance of the confident genius. He also manages to add that
nervous twinge during conversations and oscillate from being a sensitive person
to an adamant 'monster.' And finally, it is his transition to a helpless
defeated human being at the end that is touching.
But it is the sensitive portrayal of Alex Lawther as the young Alan that
contributes largely to what makes Cumberbatch's character convincing.
They are ably supported by a strong and impressive cast comprising of Keira
Knightley, Mark Strong (II), Mathew Beard and Mathew Goode as his co-workers as
also Joan Clarke, Stewart Menezies, Peter Hilton and Hugh Alexandre, who are ace
cryptanalysts too.
Visually with gripping metaphors along with snapshots of WWII and a colour
palette that's apt, the film captures the era and the fine nuances of artists to
perfection.
Over all, 'The Imitation Game' is a good introductory film for those who are not
aware of Alan Turing and it is worth a watch.