“The Imitation Game” is a much smaller release than “American Sniper;” and while I have my doubts that it will ever come to Hays, it it nevertheless an incredible piece of filmmaking that tells the riveting story of the breaking of the Nazi Enigma code during World War II.
Benedict Cumberbatch leads a stunning ensemble of remarkable British actors including Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Mark Strong and Charles Dance – each of which is exceptional in their own right. Cumberbatch’s performance as Alan Turing, credited as the “Father of Theoretical Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence” is masterful. Cumberbatch’s Turing is every bit the solider of Bradley Cooper’s Chris Kyle even though their battlefields were decidedly different.
The writing for “The Imitation Game” is sublime. For a film like this to succeed it had to be. To make a room filled with mathematicians, chess champions and cryptanalysts feel as important and as thunderous as Allied soldiers landing on the shores of Normandy is no small feat. The dialogue is often brilliant and the editing and story structure, while initially a little disjointed, builds to an ending for the ages.
Like many films based on true stories, “The Imitation Game” has taken some artistic liberties. That said, this film is incredibly important and I strongly believe it needs to make its way into our public education system – not only for the hidden history of World War II, but more so for the big picture comparison about oppression. The oppression that so many members of “The Greatest Generation” rose to fight with everything they had, and the oppression that was allowed to continue, and has yet to be resolved.
“American Sniper” and “The Imitation Game” are two of the eight films nominated for Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards. If I’m able to see more of them before the Oscars I will continue to provide reviews. My pick thus far, is easily “The Imitation Game,” and I sincerely hope the Academy recognizes its struggle and its bearing on current events.
6 of 6 stars
REVIEW: “American Sniper”