|
Imitation Game, The
|
MPAA Rating: PG-13
|
|
Entertainment: +3
|
|
Content: -2
|
|
|
 |
|
Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode. Bio/drama. Written by Graham Moore. Directed by Morten Tyldum.
FILM SYNOPSIS: English mathematician and logician Alan Turing helps crack the Enigma code during World War II. He was known for the electronic brain that would one day become the forerunner of the computer. Flashbacks and flash-forwards tell this story of the brilliant but troubled genius who eventually killed himself for being disgraced due to his homosexuality.
PREVIEW REVIEW: The production values are all top drawer, the performances are strong, and this suspense drama has a good pace that keeps us involved throughout. The film’s subject of how German codes were broken is simply fascinating. It is an award-worthy production. But there is another element to the story that must be addressed.
Parts Adrian Monk, Sheldon Cooper and Felix Unger, Alan Turing was one of those characters you find amusing on a sit-com, but rather unpleasant to be around in real life. Self-centered and oblivious to the feelings of others, these fellows walk like zombies through life, doing their own bidding, unable to relate to the needs of their fellowman. Couple that characteristic with the fact that Turing was gay in an era when it was a crime and you have good theater, but the makings of a sad life. Not only could you lose your job if you were homosexual, you could also be arrested. Unfathomable today when same-sex practitioners have equal rights, equal insurance, and are equally welcome at Tiffany’s.
It’s difficult for us in this age to comprehend people being arrested and hounded as a deviant for being homosexual. And though I can’t comprehend the same-sex lifestyle, still I hate to consider people guilty of a crime because of what happens between two consenting adults. But the subject is once again employed by a filmmaker with an agenda. I suspect the fact that the film’s protagonist was a mistreated homosexual was the reason the film got made. In the words of the brilliant detective Adrian Monk, “I could be wrong, but…I’m not.”
Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: The Weinstein Company
|
Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.
Crude Language: One crude oral sex joke.
Obscene Language: I caught one or two obscenities and a few minor expletives.
Profanity: Christ’s name is misused twice; the term “Oh God” is uttered five times; “God didn’t win the war, we did” – or so the members of Turing’s team profess in the film.
Violence: Wartime bombings and destruction are seen; we learn that the main character underwent chemical castration treatments that may have led to his suicide.
Sex: Sex is discussed, but not pictured.
Nudity: None
Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: None
Drugs: Smoking and drinking.
Other: While the film does not show any sexual situations, it does imply that Turning had several affairs with men, perhaps even college students.
Running Time: 114 minutes
Intended Audience: Older teens and up
Click HERE for a PRINTER-FRIENDLY version of this review.
|
