Captivating Performances, “The Imitation Game”, Leaves Minds Thirsty for More

We are upon another British invasion. Actors from across the pond are flying to the United States to dazzle us with their breathtaking performances on screen this year, and all one can do is watch in amazement. The Imitation Game is yet another jewel that has been presented to us filled with British talent. The film gives us a glance into Alan Turing’s world, the British mathematician who’s impeccable code breaking skills led to an early end to WWII.

There were strong performances across the board. Benedict Cumberbatch filled the shoes of the socially awkward and arrogant Alan Turing, who despite his rough personality, is as charming, as he is smart. Cumberbatch delivers a solid performance, capturing a man so many know so little about. He dishes up a wonderfully dry, and often brash sense of humor that makes film watchers twinge and chuckle. Extremely strong willed, and filled with emotion, Cumberbatch opens up our eyes to a world so few of us know about, and leaves us wanting to explore more of Turing’s world.

Along with Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, delivers a stunning and driven performance as the brilliant Joan Clark. Often times Knightley gets caught in period roles and struggles to become a convincing character, but she brought life to Joan Clarke, the witty, charismatic, kind-hearted counterpart to Turing’s haughty personality. It was a pleasure to watch Cumberbatch and Knightley convey two people, despite certain circumstances, hold such vehement love for one another. It was touching to see the support Clarke provided Turing and it spoke volumes to the human heart.

Though the acting was superb, the storyline often became muddled with flashbacks and flash-forwards, and often threw off the flow of the movie. Though Turing’s past played large importance to his interest in mathematics and code breaking, it was lost through time hops. It was a struggle to keep up with where they were in breaking the Nazi code “Enigma” and also the timeline of friendships. At times the storyline seemed rushed, and felt as if they were only giving a brief overview of what really happened. Recalling the fact that Turing at one point in the film is asked to become a Soviet spy, it is unclear if he ever fulfilled that role and also how it led to the ending of his engagement with Joan. When you are covering as much time as 30 years, it can be difficult to supply a clear explanation of everything that happened in a man’s life, so the film definitely had its challenges.

Alexandre Desplat again enchants us with a rich score that leaves a haunting aura around the film. Heavy and dark, the orchestra hums with deep bass and rhythms, while alluring us in with taunting strings. The score is beautifully written and plays a vital role in the film, constantly reminding us the dark days that plagued Europe during WWII. Though often low and dreary, the higher strings provide a sense of urgency, or anxiety. What was most remarkable where the times that Desplat left silence in the film, giving the audience a chance to catch their breath and admire the artistry before them. The score is emotional and poignant, leaving a deep sense of longing mixed with a desire to fulfill our inquisitive minds.

Director Morten Tyldum grants us the opportunity to discover a world that for many years was forbidden. Alan Turing for many is still an enigma. Tyldum breaks down some of that wall and cracks open that brilliant mind, allowing other hungry minds to follow an impulse. To investigate the man behind “Enigma.” Keep exploring my friends, keep exploring.

The Imitation Game is in theaters now. Watch trailer here.