MOVIE MONDAYS: THE IMITATION GAME
Out of all the films I wanted to watch last month, The Imitation Game is the one that I was destined to see. I don't know if you know this but Mathematics and I have a bond so fiercely strong, only a few things can compare. And when a film highlights its beauty and power I cannot help but fall in love with it. The Imitation Game is such a film and so so so much more. It is both simple and complex; funny yet sad. It is a film that I do hope you get the chance to see as I know it is a good'un.
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“SOMETIMES IT’S THE PEOPLE NO ONE IMAGINES ANYTHING OF WHO DO THE THINGS NO ONE CAN IMAGINE”
I saw this movie on a nippy Sunday afternoon with Mercy after having quite a yummy lunch with my brother. Sitting in my favourite seat, I watched the hauntingly beautiful story unfold and was at a complete loss for words by the end. It was like I was being told the same story through three different media harmoniously through the flawless acting, the enchanting soundtrack and time. Embedded in The Imitation Game you will find, along with the power of friendship, team work and honesty, three love stories which are sure to make you at least contemplate reaching for a tissue. And as you have probably guessed already, I love this movie.
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The Imitation Game is a thriller based on the life of Alan Turing, a fantastic British mathematician who is referred to as the father of computer science, and his team of code breakers during World War II as they attempt to crack the elusive Enigma code at Bletchley Park. Though not a documentary, this compelling drama does bring to the forefront the story of a great mind that was gone before he and the world could comprehend his capabilities. The highly engaging script written by Graham Moore (Pirates vs Ninjas; The Waiting Room), which was based on the book "Alan Turing: Enigma" by Andrew Hodges, was brought to the screen under the wonderful direction by Morten Tyldum (Headhunters; Fallen Angels; Buddy). The bewitching soundtrack which is definitely a character in its own right in this film was composed by Alexandre Desplat (Philomena; Zero Dark Thirty; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 &2). And the outfits of the characters, especially Joan Clarke, whose designs were overseen by Sammy Sheldon (Kick Ass 2; X-Men: First Class; V for Vendetta) had me wanting to raid all the vintage shops within a 5 mile radius. There are several other aspects of this film that also demanded my attention but if I list them all we will be here all day. This passion project which is said to have been produced with a budget of about $15 million is one I am really glad I got to see.
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I have to say the actresses and actors gave such remarkable performances that they, along with everything else, pull you easily into the world of The Imitation Game where you lose yourself in the story being told. Alan Turing, a slightly misunderstood but brilliant multi-layered man who accomplished a lot in his fields of study and served his country well was portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock; 12 Years A Slave; Starter for 10). Joan Clarke, a strong, kind and intelligent mathematician and cryptanalyst who played a part in helping to crack the Enigma code was brought to life by Keira Knightely(Begin Again; Anna Karenina; Never Let Me Go). Hugh Alexander, a passionate cryptanalyst who was also part of the team of those trying to decipher the Enigma code was played by Matthew Goode (The Good Wife; Leap Year; Watchmen). A keen Manchester based detective called Robert Nork was played by Rory Kinnear (Penny Dreadful;Skyfall; Wild Target) and Allen Leech (Downton Abbey; In Fear; From Time to Time) played the role of the seemingly perceptive intelligence agent, John Cairncross. Mark Strong (Before I Go to Sleep; Zero Dark Thirty; Kick-Ass) took on the role of the highly skilled Chief of MI6 whilst James Northcote (Belle; Anna Karenina; Wuthering Heights) played the friendly and talented mathematician, Jack Good who was also a member of the team of those attempting to break the Enigma code alongside Alan Turing. The actors Alex Lawther (x+y) and Jack Bannon (Fury) took on the roles of young Alan Turning and Christopher Morcom respectively whilst Charles Dance (Game of Thrones; Patrick;Starter for 10) played the role of the impatient Commander Denniston who does the best he can for his men and country. All in all the cast for The Imitation Game is a powerful one as are the characters they bring to life.
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For those who are in the mood for an emotional historical film that has intrigue, drama, great lines and an appreciation for the power of mathematics, then The Imitation Game is for you. Alan Turing is a man who, along with many others, made great waves in bringing about the end to World War II. His contributions towards breaking the Enigma code, though classified for many years, were quite significant. But it is the way he was treated because of who he chose to love that fills me with much sorrow. This film deals with a few topical issues that are sadly still issues today. Although progress has been made, we still have quite a way to go in ensuring equality for all.
Have you seen The Imitation Game?
Mo x
Photo Credit: Jack English//The Weinstein Company