Reel Critics: Accept no ‘Imitations’ of this gem

The success of the Nazi juggernaut early in World War II is the stuff of military legend. Hitler’s victories were assisted by his seemingly unbreakable “Enigma” radio code. “The Imitation Game” is the true story of cracking that code to create a major turning point in the fortunes of war.

Alan Turing was the real-life British math wizard behind the project. Using wood and metal cogwheels, he created a crude prototype of a digital computer to penetrate Enigma. Benedict Cumberbatch gives an Oscar-worthy performance playing the cerebral hero with a troubled personal life. Turing was a homosexual at a time when being gay was a crime in England.

Flashbacks of his life shed light on the burdens suffered by a brilliant mind forced to conceal honest feelings. The intense pressure from the military to complete his machine adds more anxiety to his already stressful life. Keira Knightley is excellent as the woman whose sensitive intelligence gets him through some very dark hours.

Fine ensemble acting combines with strong writing to illuminate the compelling story lines of the screenplay. “The Imitation Game” is a notable film sure to garner Academy attention.

—John Depko

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Carell is creepy, like a ‘Fox’

Steve Carell’s new drama, “Foxcatcher,” is so creepy, I am not sure I can recommend it but for the noteworthy acting by Carell, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo.

Moviegoers may vaguely recall the strange, true story of John du Pont, heir to a family fortune, whose unlikely interest in freestyle wrestling led to tragedy.

Hulking Mark Schultz (Tatum) and his older, compact-sized brother Dave (Ruffalo) were both Olympic gold medalists in the 1984 games. A few years later, Mark has a hardscrabble existence, while his brother is a happily settled family man and coach.

Out of nowhere, du Pont sends for Mark to come out to Foxcatcher, the family estate in Pennsylvania. Mark’s in total awe of his offer to be on a wrestling team that du Pont is sponsoring with World Championships and Olympics in his sights, an opportunity for Mark that means a steady salary and a place to live.

Carell gives a most restrained, eerie portrait of this millionaire who knows very little about wrestling, life or interpersonal relationships. All du Pont knows is money and who and what it can buy him. But it can’t buy respect, admiration or friendship, not even from his mother (Vanessa Redgrave).

Tatum is good as the physically commanding athlete who feels inadequate compared to his brother. Ruffalo shines as the lone voice of compassion in a very lonely film.

“Foxcatcher” gives us little insight into du Pont’s early years of privileged life. It’s a sad but true tale of the American dream gone horribly awry.

—Susanne Perez

JOHN DEPKO is a retired senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office. He lives in Costa Mesa and works as a licensed private investigator. SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant for a company in Irvine.