The Imitation Game (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Beautiful, emotional, evocative soundtrack for this fine film. I admit I was surprised how passionate this score is, an inspired musical interpretation of Alan Turing's poignant and tragic story. One playing and I was hooked. That doesn't happen all that often, in my experience. Buy it, you won't regret it!

Composer Alexandre Desplat used the words rhythm, tempo, harmony and melodic to describe Morten Tyldum's film "The Imitation Game," words that could also be used to describe his own score for that work, but perhaps another word should be added: inspired. The film deals with the personal struggles of Alan Turin the genius who not only played a key role in solving the Nazi code system "Enigma" during World War II, but essentially set the stage for the computer age in doing it. The more personal story, that of a man struggling with his own genius, and himself in a very unyielding, unenlightened and unkind world envelopes the film in the end. There are differences in the way people think, some simple, and some profound, but can we embrace the differences, and can they be replicated in a machine? The war was won in good part because of the cryptanalysts at Bletchley Park in England including Alan Turin. But in the end Turin, and mankind, lost. An earlier film on the breaking of Enigma (Michael Apted's "Enigma," 2001)was itself a fine effort with a wonderful score by John Barry which puts Desplat among pretty heady company. Employing twin electronic pianos at Abby Roads Studio, solo piano played by Dave Arch, and the London Symphony Orchestra, Desplat has produced a fine score that works the complications of an espionage thriller in World War II England, a psychological study, and a very wrenching personal story into something quite wonderful. The combination of the random notes on the electronic pianos providing backdrop to the nearly ever-present voice of Benedict Cumberbatch created an evocative presence in the film that is perfect for this tale of the complications of genius on several different levels: Alan Turin's mind, Enigma, and Christopher, Turin's Enigma-breaking machine. On top of this is music that is at once melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic with, at times, a driving tempo. One of the final cuts, "End of War," seems to be something of an elegy to Turin, and perhaps all of World War II's dead, and it is one of the most touching and memorable pieces of music composed in a long time. That and "Running" are this writer's favorites, but go ahead and pick something, then enjoy. It is a brilliant film with amazing performances (especially Mr. Cumberbatch), with a score that proved a great and very welcome surprise. And as the story goes, Desplat had only two and a half weeks to work his own musical genius. This is one of the best scores of the year for one of the finest films in a long time. Every cut on the album presents something worth listening to. Very nicely produced with adequate packaging by Sony.

This is another fine score by Alexandre Desplat (Argo, Unbroken, etc.) that can both stand on its own or be the driving force that it was throughout the movie that gave its name to this CD. Desplat had to deal with several key factors and succeeded in enhancing all of them: 1) The primary emotional setting of the movie (WWII and the aerial bombing of British cities); 2) The differing personalities that were forced to work together to break the Enigma code; 3) The main character's inner turmoil; 4) The relentless pressure of time; 5) The hostility of those who could not or would not believe that breaking the Enigma code was possible by the novel way that was being proposed; 6) The need to hide a major secret other than the one involving the Enigma code.What we have is a score that mirrors and complements all of the above. Initial parts of the main theme (4 notes) sound reminiscent of Desplat's contributional theme for one of the films in the Twilight Saga. His use of the piano as a solo instrument in addition to being a part of the complete orchestra also reminded me of Dario Marianelli's Oscar winning score for Atonement. Interestingly, that movie as well as The IG took place for the most part during WWII. Desplat captures the somber mood that pervades the background of this film without being too melodramatic or maudlin. It is what it is. And when things begin to come together, the music alters towards a triumphal progression. Unfortunately, despite saving millions of lives and shortening the war by at least two years, the key accomplishment must remain secret and anonymous. This fact also necessitates a partial blunting to any crescendo climax to the music which would have otherwise been inappropriate. Desplat does handle this conflicting problem quite well, however.Reviewer Epilogue: An ending that should have been a glorious hosanna shouted from the rooftops was condemned to silence. And the one most responsible for cracking the code - the rightful inventor of the present day computer - was reduced to forcibly taking medication in order to "reorient himself" only to wind up becoming a partial mental basket case ultimately leading to suicide. Thanks to outdated and backward laws of the British legal system that were not corrected until 1967, the genius of mind was destroyed by an inescapable inclination of nature...And Desplat had to contend with all this in his moving symphonic finale - track 21: Alan Turning's Legacy; and the unrecorded End Credits - which he most successfully did.One final humorous anecdote from this reviewer which was told to him by a visiting friend from England in the early 90s and crossed my mind at the end of seeing this movie (with apologies to all): "The only one in England who isn't a queen is the Queen."

This is another movie soundtrack that can be listened to at home while writing, reading, or other activities for which you just want some beautiful, unobtrusive background. I noticed how beautifully it worked with the movie and knew I was going to have to get it. The movie has plenty of tension and suspense, yet the soundtrack evokes these scenes without the usual overbearing and clichéd blasts of horns, kettle drums, and "stirring" intensity. It's a more cerebral work, which is most fitting for its subject. The movie is my personal favorite of several outstanding dramas I have seen over the past few months; I found it VERY moving. Here's hoping the Oscar voters recognize this gorgeous soundtrack, which has more than proved worth the purchase price.

This is by far one of my favorite vinyl records. The album packaging for this is simply beautiful with a nice sort of glossy touch. The sleeve for the vinyl itself is made with good, soft material to hold it, and the inside slip is beautiful photos from the film and information on the score. As for the score itself? Heartbreaking. And beautiful. It is a definite favorite of mine and I loved receiving this as a gift.

This soundtrack is SO phenomenal. It does not need the move to stand on it's own. Having listened to it over and over while working I have since gone back to rewatch the movie and it feels like the movie was made to fit the music. It is phenomenal! Highly recommended!

excellent

A very fine soundtrack; compelling, and beautifully scored. The notes suggest he scored and conducted this within two and half weeks, which makes it a minor miracle. I have grown to admire, and then to love Desplat's work, which seems to me to stand up as music beyond the film. This a superb example

Arrived undamaged & really good sound track.

A very moving and beatiful picture. Can`t understand that it didn`t win more of the Oscars it was nominated for.

Another masterpiece from Desplat, conveying the genious of A.Turing through warm melodies and minimalisticaly programmed pianos, musically breaking down Turing's complex personality by elaborate orchestrations and melodic and tempo manipulations. Heartwarming and intellectual at the same time, a Desplat gem.

A very welcome present which I have enjoyed watching.

I really enjoyed listening to the cd..

Alexandre Despalt has captured the pathos, the drama, the triumphs and the tragedies of The Imitation Game perfectly for me. The music is haunting, evocative and subtle, and is in a sense a major character in the film.

ok i love

Love it.

Amazingly beautiful music that plays a brilliant part to the film,I love it

Wonderful music buy a great composer. If you have seen the film this will bring it all back.

wonderful

Excellent

Deserves your attention

Just love this music, so evocative! I listen to it over and over again.