The Imitation Game (2014) tells the extraordinary story of Alan Turing, the brilliant British mathematician who helped crack Nazi Germany’s Enigma code during World War II. His work not only shortened the war and saved countless lives but also laid the foundations for modern computer science. Yet, despite his monumental contributions, Turing faced persecution because of his homosexuality, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.
The film is more than a historical drama—it is a reflection on genius, secrecy, and society’s treatment of those who are different. For students, it offers a compelling lens through which to explore how language, ethics, and identity shape both history and storytelling. By engaging with this film, learners can develop their English skills while reflecting on themes of innovation, injustice, and the power of communication.
Competency Goals
- Reflect on and analyze film as cultural and historical representation.
- Discuss ethical and social issues presented in visual and written texts.
- Use relevant materials to discuss issues relating to history, society, and minorities.
- Perform critical review of sources, recognizing bias in media and film.
Resources Used
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NDLA Film Resource: NDLA – The Imitation Game
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Film Review & Historical Critique:
Warm-up / Introduction (5 min)
- Briefly introduce Alan Turing and the context of the film.
- Display the NDLA page as main resource for Norwegian students.
Key Points for Discussion
- Historical context: Alan Turing’s role at Bletchley Park in breaking the Enigma code, impact on WWII.
- Portrayal and accuracy: Film takes artistic liberties—emphasizes drama, adds invented elements (such as the suggestion of Turing as a spy or traitor).
- Personality and Social life: The film sometimes exaggerates Turing’s social awkwardness and isolation, which reviews and historians have challenged.
- LGBTQ+ themes: Turing was persecuted for his sexuality. The film addresses this, but critics say it glosses over key issues and historical injustices.
- Performance and film critique: Cumberbatch is praised for the role, but the reviews highlight both strengths and areas the film could have developed further.
Activities
Individual Activities
1. Comprehension Questions
(Students answer in writing, can be digital or on paper)
- Who plays the main character, Alan Turing, in The Imitation Game?
- What important machine is Alan Turing trying to build during World War II?
- What is the name of the German code that the British are trying to break?
- Where does Alan Turing work while trying to break the German code?
- What is the name of the woman who joins Turing’s codebreaking team?
- How does Alan Turing test new applicants for his team?
- What is the machine Turing builds eventually called?
- Why does Alan Turing have to keep his work secret after the war ends?
- What secret about Alan Turing’s personal life becomes a major problem for him later?
- How does the movie show the lasting impact of Turing’s work on modern technology?
- Describe one way the film deviates from real history according to the Guardian articles.
- Why was Alan Turing punished after the war, and how is this addressed in the film?
- How do the articles suggest the film’s portrayal of Turing’s personality differs from real accounts?
2. Source Evaluation Task
read the Guardian review ‘The Imitation Game invents new slander...’
- Identify two specific points where the reviewer criticizes the movie’s treatment of historical facts.
- In 2–3 sentences, explain why historical accuracy is important in films based on real events.
3. Reflection
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In a brief paragraph, reflect on how watching the film changed or confirmed your understanding of Turing’s life and legacy.
Group Activities
1. Debate/Discussion: “Is it acceptable for films to change historical facts for dramatic effect?”
Divide into small groups. Each group prepares arguments for or against. Afterwards, present key arguments to the class.
2. Group Source Comparison
Groups read the NDLA summary, discuss the two Guardian articles, and fill out a chart:
- What parts of Turing’s story does each source focus on?
- Where do the sources agree or disagree?
- What can you conclude about the reliability and bias of film vs. journalistic/nonfiction sources?
Essay Questions (choose one)
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“To what extent does The Imitation Game serve as a reliable introduction to Alan Turing’s significance in history, and where does it fall short? Support your answer with references from the NDLA article and the Guardian reviews.”
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“Discuss how the film handles the theme of prejudice, particularly concerning Alan Turing’s sexuality. How might the choices made by the filmmakers influence viewers’ understanding of Turing and his era?”
Watch the Film
Access the film (for Norwegian students):
NDLA – The Imitation Game
