Synopsis: Biopic of Alan Turing, secret hero of the second world war who built the machine the broke the Nazi's Enigma Code but suffered tragically at the hands of homophobic legislation.
Stan's thoughts: Lots of hype about this one but it lived up to it as I was in bits by the end at the bitter tragedy of it all.
It is a film that makes spods doing maths and building a machine nail-biting but it is the human story of Alan that elevates this. A man caught up in secrecy through his work and private life because of societies prejudices. He is a man for whom nature has made so brilliantly intelligent it's left little room for social skills but again this is another thread to his story, another battle he faces.
Superb performances all around. Loved the enigmatic and charismatic Matthew Goode and of course Benedict Cumberbatch is superb. Alex Lawther plays the young Alan and in his few scenes delivers a performance that will haunt me for a long time. He's been on my radar since I saw him on stage in South Downs.
My only slight quibble with this otherwise perfect drama is I'd have like to have seen a little more reference to Alan's homosexuality, a glance or something. It isn't hidden but it is referred to rather than seen. It is only a slight quibble though, I've been back to see it again and it was just as affecting. Will be making it into my Sunday night weepie DVD collection when it is released.
Ratings
- Stan’s 90%
- IMDB 84%
- Metascore 72%
- Rotten Tomatoes 89%
- RT Audience Rating* 95%
* Number of people rating 3.5/5 or higher
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