The Imitation Game

The Imitation Game opens with an effective fourth-wall breaking narration. It's addressed to a police officer, but it may as well address the moviegoers in the audience. "Are you paying attention?" the narrator asks. "If you are not listening carefully, you will miss things. Important things. If you cannot commit to this, then please leave the room."

Writer Graham Moore's foresight works. The screenplay might throw off people as it goes between three different time periods. But if you heed the advice and pay attention, you'll be amazed as the relevance of certain plot points is clarified.

Now I have to get to the movie.

1939-1945. War is declared. Prof. Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) is summoned to Bletchley Park for a secret mission. The British Army has an Enigma code machine in its possession. Alan's mission is to lead a team to crack the Nazi's code so the Army can get the drop on them. Alan works to create a machine to do the work, the ancestor of the modern Computer.

One of the team is Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley), who Turing likes but not in that way...

1920's. Young Alan is picked on by the older boys at Sherbone School. Christopher Morcrom is Alan's only friend and secret crush. But his fondness for Christopher was cut short...

1953. Alan is arrested for the crime of homosexuality (termed "Gross indecency" by the court). The government he dutifully served gives him a dreadful choice...

As Turing, Cumberbatch convincingly plays a repressed genius. He might seem arrogant, but he's someone who can't properly express himself. His inner torment is easily understandable. He'll surely have the audience's support as Cdr. Denniston (Charles Dance) threatens him with unemployment.

The crew assembled by director Morten Tyldum is also great. Composer Alexandre Desplat has another fine score to his name. Editor William Goldenberg keeps it moving as the Nazis and strict officials threaten Alan's progress. Cinematographer Oscar Faura provides subdued imagery to suit the thriller mood. And the sets and costumes evoke the time periods in style.

The Imitation Game does a great job telling a story not many have heard. Whatever Oscar cliches it may have, they didn't bother me as the story kept me interested throughout.

And speaking of Oscars, it's a few hours till the nominations announcement. Expect this to show up at least a few times. It earns its praise.