Benedict Cumberbatch - probably a big reason to why so many people liked this movie. The Imitation Game explores genius mathematician Alan Turing's life and his achievements in history. The main story in this movie is the one which everyone comes into theaters expecting to watch - World War II and Turing's contributions in solving the Enigma Code, the "unbreakable" Nazi code system. Turing was an unsociable, arrogant man who joined a team of codebreakers to solve the German war code. He goes through this journey by overcoming many barriers and working all night long for many days. On the other hand, we have two other supporting stories that delve into different but connected aspects of his life. There is the part a few years after the war is over, when Turing is investigated upon by the suspicious lack of records during the War. Then we explore his childhood - a deeper look into his personality, affinities, and hobbies. All of these parts intermingle to create an interesting story of a unique man's life.
The Imitation Game was a very interesting movie - I'll give it that. I learned more about Turing's life and the behind-the-scenes of World War II than I expected to. It was a different approach to history than the ones presented in textbooks, and I actually enjoy puzzles and math - like Turing. About the acting, Benedict Cumberbatch plays Turing extremely well in every scene. (Although he is a tad overrated - oh no, am I going to get a lot of hate for this?). Matthew Goode was also noteworthy. On the other hand, I have no idea why Keira Knightly was nominated for an Oscar for her role. I felt as if there wasn't much special about her acting.
Other aspects of The Imitation Game were weaker than the acting. The overall pacing was hasty, as if they tried to cover too much with not enough time. This story uses nonlinear narrative/flashbacks to explore Turing's past and future. While there are movies in which this definitely works, I'm not sure if this is one of them. Some scenes felt similar or even unnecessary, and the filmmakers could have used that time to pace the main story better. They did, however, pace the story of his childhood well and inserted those flashbacks at appropriate moments.
Alan's character is really the enigma in this movie - but not in the way the movie intended it to be. At the beginning, we immediately get the feeling he is cold and socially awkward. He stays like this until a certain point, when he suddenly changes to a man who is a lot more sociable. This change is not gradual but sudden, which is a real enigma. This lack of character development was an issue for me, especially because in the 'future' flashbacks, he all of a sudden becomes antisocial again. He is also presented as a genius who can solve not only any puzzle, but also work his way through any difficulty. This gives him an aura of an invincible character, which makes it hard for the audience to empathize with and relate to him. Kiera Knightly's character also lacks in depth - she is introduced at a convenient moment and doesn't have the depth that a character like her should have.
The story started out strong but becomes weaker as many conveniences enter. The biggest one - and my greatest problem with this movie - is how Turing comes to solve the code. To avoid spoilers I won't mention details, but this scene of Turing's eureka is way too convenient. The problem is solved immediately, hooray. Then afterwards, the ending felt very simplified even though it was a complicated situation of its own. They could have explored it much deeper but chose not to. To end on a positive note, the more personal side of Turing was expressed well, both in the 'past' and main stories but better in the former. The more intimate 'Imitation Game' that Turing had to 'play' makes the title of the movie a very strong one.
8.0/10 - Watch it, it's interesting. But I wouldn't watch it twice.
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