Research & Planning: Genre (Film Poster) Historical/Drama/Thriller

Historical/Drama/Thriller: The Imitation Game (2014)

Codes & Conventions:

Main image

Background imagery

Reviews

Title

Date

Main Credits

Starring roles

BBFC rating

The Imitation Game is a hybrid of three different genres that tie together perfectly. The historical element of the film brings a sense of reality, combining the past with the present. The drama and thriller aspect keep the film intense and interesting. 

Other films in this genre include:

Schindler's List (1993) BBFC rating: 15

Selma (2014) BBFC rating: 12A

Pearl Harbour (2001) BBFC rating: 12

JFK (1991) BBFC rating: 15

Along with The Imitation Game these two films have similar BBFC ratings, because of the concepts involved, strong language, violence and moderate sexual references. However all of these components are very mild and moderate meaning that the rating can be dropped, therefore opening up the audience demographic more. The Imitation Game does explore historical events and concepts, meaning that the audience would one have to be interested in history, and old enough and capable to grasp the historical story being told. 

Colours & Lighting:

Shadows are shown falling onto Benedict Cumberbatch's face showing a certain mystery around his character. The lighting also seems to act like a spotlight as the image fades to black at the left hand side making the reviews easier to read. 

Also the way the character is represented through his mise en scene follows a very neutral brown toned, creating an older fashion style representing the time period well. 

Actors/Actresses:

Benedict cumberbatch is the star of this film and he is a highly acclaimed actor. Cumberbatch is known for playing a wide variety of roles, but more often than not sophisticated upper class roles such as Peter Guillam in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) and Major Jamie Stewart in War Horse (2011). Therefore he would fit right in playing Alan Turing in The Imitation Game. 

Directors:

The director of The Imitation Game is Morten Tyldum from Norway. He isn't very well known since he is a fairly new director, he has directed films such as Buddy (2003) and Headhunters (2011) which are both action thrillers, meaning The Imitation Game was a completely new direction for him and considered his "big break".