Sunday, January 11, 2015

The Imitation Game is the real deal


Grade: A

PG-13, 1 hour 54 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Two words:  Benedict Cumberbatch
Endless are the movies about WWII that are thought-provoking, inspiring, heartbreaking, and touching.  This is definitely one of them.  I’m embarrassed to admit that I knew nothing of Alan Turing’s history before viewing this film. In fact, his story has been hidden for 50 years.

Based on the book Alan Turing: The Enigma: The Book That Inspired the Film "The Imitation Game" by Andrew Hodges, the movie is a fascinating character study of a British mathematical genius who broke the unbreakable German code during the war and who created the first computer.  He was also a homosexual during a time when it was illegal. Especially engrossing is watching Cumberbatch’s multi-layered facial expressions that reveal impressive depth and deserve Oscar recognition.

Uplifting Theme:
·         Alan’s childhood friend explained it well when he said “You know Alan, sometimes it’s the very people who no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.” -  Christopher

Things I liked:
·         I love movie titles that have double meaning.
·         I thought the suspenseful music at the beginning set the tone well for the movie.
·         The interview between Alan and Commander Denniston was hilarious.
·         Keira Knightley is always mesmerizing to watch.

Things I didn’t like:
·         It may be a little slow-moving for some, but I was intrigued the entire time.

Funny lines:
·         “You’re serious!” – Commander Denniston (Charles Dance)
“Would you prefer I made a joke?” – Alan
“I don’t think you know what those are.”  - Commander Denniston
·         “How the He** were you supposed to decrypt German communications if you don’t speak German?” – Commander Denniston
“Well, I’m really quite good at crossword puzzles.” – Alan
·         “What is it about women with little hats?” – Hugh (Matthew Goode)
·         “Even a broken clock is right twice a day.  That’s not progress; that’s just blind luck.” – Alan
·         “Well, this is inhuman, even for you.” – Hugh

Interesting lines:

·         “Do you know why people like violence?  It is because it feels good.  Humans find violence deeply satisfying. But remove the satisfaction, the act becomes hollow.  I didn’t learn this on my own, of course.  I had help.” – Alan
·         “They only beat me up because I’m smarter than they are.” – Alan
“No, they beat you up because you are different.” -  Christopher
·         “Some people thought we were at war with Germany.   Incorrect. We were at war with the clock.” – Alan
·         “I’m a woman in a man’s job and I don’t have the luxury of being an a$$.” – Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley)
·         “The interesting question is just because something thinks differently from you, does that mean it’s not thinking?” – Alan
·         “Are you paying attention?  Good.  If you’re not listening carefully, you WILL miss things.  Important things.”   “What I will need from you now is a commitment.  You will listen closely and you will not judge me until I am finished.” - Alan

Tips for Parents:
·         Discussion of homosexuality, school bullying, smoking, actual war footage from WWII.
·         The language is mostly clean and even eloquent.
·         It’s a bit slow-moving, so children may get bored.

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