The Imitation Game
In this this excellent historical drama, Benedict Cumberbatch plays the part of Alan Turing, the British mathematical genius who was instrumental the breaking of the code behind the Enigma Machine, used by the Nazis in World War II to encrypt their military communication. Turring also was instrumental in the invention of the first digital computers, the theory behind artificial intelligence and the idea of a machine that can be programmed for all quantifiable tasks (like a computer) rather than just a single purpose (like a lawn mower). It was the code breakers of Bletchley Park that informed the allied high command that German commanders did not know about the coming D-Day invasion, intelligence that gave them the confidence to launch the invasion, probably shortening the war by two years. Sadly, a few years after the war, Turing found himself being prosecuted for “Gross Perversion” (being gay), was subjected to chemical castration and subsequently probably committed suicide (his cyanide poisoning could have been an accident). The movie portrays a condensed version of this story.
Cumberbatch is truly excellent in his role as as Turing, portraying the genuinely eccentric Turing, a man full of strange gestures and awkwardness, and finding himself responsible for one of the most important projects of the war, dealing with military commanders and the cold-hearted British intelligence officer Stewart Menzies (well played by Mark Strong). Keira Knightly is also excellent as Joan Clarke, another equally awkward mathematician who is recruited by Turing to join the project as its only woman. As the story develops, she also provides some cover for Turing’s gayness by being his knowing fiancee.
The usual question for movies about recent history…how much history, how much fiction… falls on the side of a well crafted fiction about historical events. Characters and events are condensed, technical details are kept shallow in order to not overwhelm the audience. The real story of the Enigma Machine and its code-breakers is far more complex, with a larger cast of characters, way beyond what can be told in a two hour movie. The movie keeps the story compact and intense, following the activities of the small group of “Hut 8” code breakers as they try to turn their basic geek qualities into an essential part of the war effort. It’s near zero on special effects, relying instead on the drama of the events themselves, the urgency of stopping the Third Reich and the groundbreaking innovations that changed the world…plenty of drama. I would give this movie a high rating, an excellent example of historical fiction, well worth a view for fans of technology, WW II as well as fans of fine British acting. Don’t miss it.
