Benedict Cumberbatch and ‘Imitation Game’

A small sampling of audiences got a chance to see Benedict Cumberbatch portray Alan Turing in the Imitation Game over the Thanksgiving Weekend, and it appears as if they liked what they saw. Cumberbatch’s performance has already garnered the actor rave reviews and there is talk of potential Oscar nominations as well. Since production began on the film, the actor has worked tirelessly to promote the story as it is one he feels is not only important but also completely relevant in today’s society.

Cumberbatch may best be known as the title character of Sherlock on the BBC drama and while he has not had a major hit on the big screen prior to Imitation Game, the actor is considered to be what some might call a sex symbol. He has been in a number of films including Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Whistleblower and War Horse, all of which have helped propel the actor into the spotlight. His large fan base has certainly helped in driving the appeal of the new movie. The film has also garnered spreads in New York Times Magazine as well as being included on the cover of Time as part of their genius edition.

In Imitation Game, Cumberbatch portrays Alan Turing, a British mathematician who is considered to be the father of the modern computer. Turing helped break the nearly unbreakable Nazi code during World War II. He was also a gay man during a time when that could lead to prosecution. The story is not only about the brilliance of the man but also the tragedy of his life. A man who helped change the tides of war, arrested on charges of indecency. Turing was given a choice, imprisonment or chemical castration as a means to stop what was considered to be sexual indecencies. Turing chose the chemical castration and eventually is said to have committed suicide.

Cumberbatch has spoken in detail about his role as Turing and said that he believes everyone should know who this man was. Not only does Cumberbatch believe that Turing’s story needs to be told but also of the only woman to help break the code, Joan Clarke who was portrayed in the movie by actress Keira Knightley. The actor has said on numerous occasions that the story is not only one about the past but something relevant to the issues of today. Cumberbatch believes the story is timely as he says the same issues and minorities that are essentially scapegoated have not changed since Turing’s time.

Cumberbatch said that when he learned about Turing and what had happened in his life he became angry and wanted to tell his story. He has even said that at times he became so immersed in the character that he needed to get the story told to a large audience and he refused to let go of the script. As more audiences get a chance to witness Cumberbatch in the Imitation Game, it appears that the actors hopes that Turing’s story will reach a broader audience are slowly being realized.

By Kimberley Spinney

Sources:

Forbes

NY Times

Variety

USA Today

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