The Imitation Game review: Era of true-life tales

Benedict Cumberbatch is astonishing in the lead role and Keira Knightley brings emotional depth to her role as his fellow code breaker-cum-fiance. Highly recommended.

Direction:

Benedict-Cumberbatch-as-Alan-Turing-in-the-Imitation-Game

Morten Tyldum

Actors:

Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley

Rating:

4/5

It’s pouring biopics in Hollywood nowadays. Close on the heels of Unbroken, Big Eyes, American Sniper and The Theory of Everything comes yet another inspiring true-life tale, one which documents the life and work of the brilliant British mathematician Alan Turing.

Working from a superbly structured script by Graham Moore, Norwegian director Morten Tyldum brings the protagonist to life with considerable verve. Collaborating with a motley team of cryptographers, Turing succeeds in deciphering a seemingly impenetrable Nazi code, thereby paving the way for an early Allied victory in World War II.

Satisfyingly suspenseful, the proceedings are further enlivened by Alexandre Desplat’s sumptuous music score and a dash of deadpan humour.

The supporting cast of British stalwarts is uniformly impressive, none more so than Charles Dance as the overbearing naval commander. Benedict Cumberbatch is astonishing in the lead role and Keira Knightley brings emotional depth to her role as his fellow code breaker-cum-fiance. Highly recommended.