MOVIE REVIEW - The Imitation Game

Here comes a movie that is being reviewed very well, is good, and in the grand scheme of things no one is going to see.

The Imitation Game is out and is pretty darn good.  This is in limited release and is worth the drive to find it. I call this kind of movie a "film"  (in good fun).  This is a period art piece that looks great, tells a story you don't know, and through it all, finds relevance in today's world and for today's movie goer. If it were just given the chance.

This is the true story of a man named Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch).   He was a late-20's genius mathematician in England during WWII.  He and a small team were charged with trying to decode the unbreakable code known as "Enigma" the Nazi's were using most effectively for communication. Enigma was so sophisticated at the time, that it could be used every single day, in the open and its encryption was so advanced the Allies were helpless against it.  It was a huge reason the early days of the war were going so poorly for the Allies in Europe. What Turing had to do was invent a machine that could be used to combat the Enigma machine - and hopefully win the war. So he invented the first computer. - In the 1940's -  True.

That is the basic story. But it shows his troubled relationship with virtually everyone in the world.  Turing is deeply conflicted in his entire life and has issues far beyond just the task at hand.  He is a complicated man, who finds it very difficult to achieve happiness or peace. He does develop a friendship with fellow genius and team mate, Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley).  She helps guide him through the endless pitfalls and difficulty that he encounters, both on a personal level and in dealing with team mates and even the British government itself.  He also has deep secrets he must keep quiet as well.

This movie looks amazingly authentic.  The sets, costumes, hair, makeup, and overall presentation is simply perfect as it transports us back to WWII.  Cumberbatch is terrific in this large role that will certainly gain him an Oscar nomination. Knightley too, not only will be nominated, but could very well win Best Supporting Actress, as she is nothing short of sensational.  She is rapidly becoming one of Hollywood's best and most believable actors.

The Imitation Game. Much to like here. Very, very good. One of the years ten best movies.