BBC Sherlock Fan Forum - Serving Sherlockians since February 2012 » The Imitation Game

SolarSystem · September 8, 2014 8:56 am

Critics will always find something to complain about, and in this case it might very well be how the film deals with Alan's sexuality. For some it'll not be enough, I'm sure. But let's face it, a film like this one that is based on true events and true people can't deal with everything without leaving any gaps. You could probably complain about Benedict's "Hakwing", too. In films like "Hawking" or TIG there is always much more to tell and show and you just have to make a selection.
Also, the film has to work purely as a film as well. It's not a documentary, it's a movie that, let's face it, has to make money. And I'm not saying here that a film that deals with homosexuality can't make any money at the box office, please don't get me wrong! But even if the film deals with Alan's homosexuality only in the second half of the movie, that might still make a lot of sense in terms of storytelling, suspense, character development and how the story flows.

SusiGo · September 8, 2014 9:01 am

If there had been an longer, important relationship with a man, they surely would have included it. But there was nothing to show in that regard. The only "official" relationship he had during the war was his short engagement to Joan Clarke. This is a fact.
And, sadly, you cannot really call the Arnold Murray affair a relationship. It was short-lived and on Murray's mainly dictated by his need for money. He probably even stole from Turing. Which makes it even sadder that is was this that decided Turing's fate.

SusiGo · September 8, 2014 9:57 am

A very long and very political interview with Benedict:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/09/08/benedict-cumberbatch-on-the-imitation-game-homophobia-and-how-to-combat-isis.html

Zatoichi · September 8, 2014 10:13 am

SusiGo wrote:
A very long and very political interview with Benedict:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/09/08/benedict-cumberbatch-on-the-imitation-game-homophobia-and-how-to-combat-isis.html

I´m in love..

September 8, 2014 10:32 am

Now I'm loving him more than before - if that's possible.

SolarSystem · September 8, 2014 10:33 am

That interview is brilliant - and he's obviously not afraid to speak his mind. This here could get him into trouble with all sorts of people:

Q: The petition to pardon Turing was actually shot down in 2012 by Lord McNally, then Justice Minister.
A: Who's Lord McNally? Well, he's probably gay. They're always the biggest homophobes.

And oh my god, he's quoting from a Morrissey song... now I'm completely deaded.

Last edited by SolarSystem (September 8, 2014 10:39 am)

SusiGo · September 8, 2014 10:49 am

Yes, he is a very thoughtful man and can voice his ideas well. Brainy is the new sexy and all that ...

tonnaree · September 8, 2014 12:21 pm

As a mother with a gay daughter, yes this certanly makes me love him more than ever.

SusiGo · September 8, 2014 4:43 pm

More detailed information - the production notes (please note that there may be spoilers in there):

http://twcpublicity.com/downloads/production/theimitationgame_productionnotes.pdf

SusiGo · September 8, 2014 5:39 pm

And more praise by the Independent:

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/the-imitation-game-film-review-benedict-cumberbatch-set-for-oscar-nod-as-alan-turing-9719177.html

A lovely light · September 8, 2014 6:17 pm

All the critics are so favorable! I might watch after all the Oscars next year .

This Is The Phantom Lady · September 8, 2014 8:09 pm

I LOVE his views and the way he thinks. He's blunt and he's right!

Thank you Ben! I'm always so proud of being a fan when I read things like that

miriel68 · September 9, 2014 11:11 am

Unfortunately, not all the reviews are so brilliant. I have read a couple of really snidy ones, especially from U.K. press - you can see the critics are trying hard to find something to be critical about, sometimes plainly ridiculous, like B. "almost too subtle" performance.

SusiGo · September 9, 2014 11:17 am

Like the Guardian criticising "historical spoilers" - what did they expect? The Nazis winning the war? Turing not decoding Enigma? Him living to old age and being happily married?

SolarSystem · September 9, 2014 11:23 am

Sometimes I get the impression that a German proverb fits perfectly when it comes to Benedict and how he is perceived in his home country: "Der Prophet gilt nichts im eigenen Land." (The prophet has no honour in his own country.)
It's pretty sad and I really hope he doesn't give a sh** about it.

tonnaree · September 9, 2014 11:33 am

miriel68 wrote:
Unfortunately, not all the reviews are so brilliant. I have read a couple of really snidy ones, especially from U.K. press - you can see the critics are trying hard to find something to be critical about, sometimes plainly ridiculous, like B. "almost too subtle" performance.

"Almost too subtle"?? What the hell kind of complaint is that?

SusiGo · September 9, 2014 11:35 am

Yes, you may be right there. Very sad. And always bringing up the class thing and Harrow and all that.

SolarSystem · September 9, 2014 11:44 am

tonnaree wrote:
miriel68 wrote:
Unfortunately, not all the reviews are so brilliant. I have read a couple of really snidy ones, especially from U.K. press - you can see the critics are trying hard to find something to be critical about, sometimes plainly ridiculous, like B. "almost too subtle" performance.

"Almost too subtle"?? What the hell kind of complaint is that?

Maybe too subtle for the critic to get what's going on on screen...?

SusiGo · September 9, 2014 11:47 am

Well, if they are as dumb as the interviewer in this video, I am not surprised. My favourite Benedict quote from that one:

“If you need to see that to understand that he’s gay then all is lost for any kind of subtle storytelling.”
—
Benedict on the interviewer’s question why we do not see Alan Turing having sex in the film.

source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHaTt83tcz4

tonnaree · September 9, 2014 11:50 am

Oh dear lord what a stupid question!