“The Imitation Game” chronicles the fascinating and previously untold true story of British genius Alan Turing. During World War II, Turing contributed greatly to the breaking of the Enigma code used by the Nazis, which would decisively aid the Allies in their victory over Germany. Also, the machinery that Turing developed at the time is said to have perhaps been the origin of modern computers. However, Turing’s work during the war would be kept a secret for many years even after his death.

Directed by Mortem Tyldum, the film seamlessly weaves together three time periods in Turing’s life so as best to tell his story. The film begins with Turing uttering the line, “Are you paying attention?”. The year is 1952 and the British intellectual is being interrogated by a Manchester police detective about his mysteriously classified past. Turing then narrates his activities during the war and also flashes back to his youth and the story of his first love. The film comes full circle and concludes in 1952 as Turing is charged with indecency for his homosexuality.

Alan Turing is portrayed by actor Benedict Cumberbatch. Cumberbatch does an excellent job of demonstrating Turing’s social awkwardness and simultaneously his true intellect. In fact, he not only captures the dramatics of the situation, but also creates a few comedic moments along the way. However, there has been some criticism of the portrayal of Alan Turing as too socially awkward and too withdrawn regarding his sexuality. Colleagues that worked with Turing during the time of the film report that Turing actually was fairly outgoing and pleasant. Despite the criticism, Cumberbatch has received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of the British intellectual.

Actress Keira Knightley is extremely charming as Joan Clarke. Clarke was the only woman on the Engima team. Her warm character provides a foil for Turing, portrayed by Cumberbatch. The relationship between Clarke and Turing really brings heart to the film though it inevitably ends on somewhat of a sour note. Similar to Cumberbatch, Knightley has also received a nomination for an Academy Award for her role in the film.
The film comes across much like a nail-biting thriller as Turing and his team race against the clock to break the code. In addition, in celebrating the life and work of Turing, the film develops a hopeful message for the audience about the importance of being different. This message is conveyed especially through the repetition of the hopeful mantra, “Sometimes it is the people whom no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine”.

Overall, despite the criticism about the portrayal of Turing, I found the film to be quite enjoyable with its balance of drama and comedy as well as its talented cast. I would recommend the film to all audiences not only because it was so enjoyable, but also for the positive take home message the film provides for the audience.