The Imitation Game

What was the most affecting moments at this year's Oscar ceremony was when screenwriter Graham Moore accepted his award for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Imitation Game (out on DVD today).

Telling the world-wide audience that he had attempted suicide at 16 "because I felt weird, and I felt different, and I felt that I did not belong."

He continued to say, "And now I'm standing here, and I would like this moment to be for that kid out there who feels she's weird or she's different or she doesn't fit in anywhere. Yes, you do. ... Stay different, and then when it's your turn, and you're standing on this stage, please pass the message to the next person that comes along."

He also mentioned how unfair it was that Alan Turing, the subject of the film, never received a similar honor, despite his considerable accomplishment of leading a team that broke the Nazi Enigma Code during World War II. Instead Turing was sworn to secrecy than, in the early 1950s, was arrested for homosexual behavior and given a choice of prison or chemical castration. He chose the latter, then did commit suicide at the age of 41.

That Moore's script won him an Oscar is only part of the reason why "The Imitation Game" was one of last year's best films. With taut direction by Morten Tyldum and an impressive performance by Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing, the film remains compelling viewing even on a third visit.

For the film Moore uses a flashback device to parallel Turing's involvement in solving the highly top secret project to break the Enigma Code with his arrest on moral charges. Cumberbatch is quite adept at capturing Turing's social awkwardness and haughty demeanor, which put him at odds with his peers. Keira Knightley plays his most sympathetic co-worker (named Joan Clarke) with a fiery, feminist spirit.

If you missed the film at the theater, this DVD release offers a chance to catch up with this first-rate biography of one of a neglected figure that was shamelessly persecuted with the same homophobic law with which Oscar Wilde was convicted. The film makes the point that nearly 50,000 men were convicted under that law over the 83 years it was in effect.

The extras include a commentary track with Tyldum and Moore that offers a scene-by-scene analysis; A feature called "The Making of 'The Imitation Game'" offers a look at the real-life Turing. Also included is a pair of deleted scenes and some Q&A with the film's principals.